Former GP Navin Zala indecently assaulted patients
A former GP has been found guilty of indecently assaulting female patients.
Navin Zala, 63, from Gravesend in Kent, was convicted of 10 counts of indecent assault following a trial at Hove Crown Court..
He was sentenced to 11 years in jail and placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely.
Kent Police described Zala's actions as "a dreadful abuse of the trust placed in him by his patients".
Zala was acquitted of one indecent assault charge. He has been barred from practising as a GP.
Det Con Zoe Traynor, the investigating officer, said Zala had abused and betrayed his patients for his own sexual gratification.
"He assaulted his victims while they were at their most vulnerable and it has taken incredible courage for them to come forward to report his crimes," she said.
"I would like to pay tribute to their bravery, which allowed us to launch an investigation and bring Zala to justice."
She said his actions had traumatised his victims and "had a real impact on their lives and relationships".
"I hope today's verdict can bring them some measure of closure and allow them to move on with their lives," she said.
Zala was ordered to pay £10,000 costs and was banned from working with children.