Torbay sex assault doctor Suhail Ahmed sentence extended
A junior doctor who sexually assaulted and secretly photographed female patients during examinations has had one extra year added to his jail sentence by Court of Appeal judges.
Suhail Ahmed, of Cyncoed Road, Cardiff, used a hidden phone camera to take over 100 images at Torbay Hospital, Devon.
Ahmed previously pleaded guilty to 11 counts of voyeurism and two counts of sexual assault by touching.
A number of women experienced "long-lasting consequences", the court heard.
'Trust totally violated'
Announcing the decision, Lord Justice Fulford said: "In our view this activity is one of the worst examples of breach of trust that can be contemplated because of the vulnerability of the victims and the importance of maintaining public confidence in those who work within a vital public service.
"For each of them [victims] there is a strong sense expressed that they have been violated by Ahmed's actions, particularly given the grave breach of trust on his part.
"Many of these women now find it difficult to trust anyone in the medical profession. For a number of them the consequences have been truly long-lasting."
Speaking after the hearing, solicitor general Oliver Heald said: "I referred this case to the Court of Appeal as I felt the 18-month sentence did not reflect the full seriousness of the crimes committed by Suhail Ahmed.
"The absolute trust which should exist between a doctor and a patient was totally violated. His actions had a severe and lasting impact on his victims, many of whom were in a vulnerable state, in pain and seeking help from the medical profession.
"I hope this renewed sentence reassures the public."
Ahmed was 28 when he was jailed for 18 months in October at Exeter Crown Court.
He was working as a trainee surgeon at the time of the incidents at Torbay Hospital in 2012.