What happened when shamed doctor was confronted on his doorstep
Dr Daman Sharma, a tribunal heard, groomed and sexually harassed patients and workmates for more than a decade was 'given the benefit of the doubt at every stage of his career
A 'predatory' doctor struck off after a string of allegations against him were found to be proven following a tribunal was confronted on his doorstep by a journalist.
Dr Daman Sharma, a tribunal heard, groomed and sexually harassed patients and workmates for more than a decade was 'given the benefit of the doubt at every stage of his career'.
He has been struck off after 34 allegations containing a total of 117 claims of inappropriate behaviour; 'unwanted touching'; sexual harassment; and dishonesty were found proven against him.
The allegations were made by three nurses, two other colleagues and two 'vulnerable' patients under the age of 18.
A Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service panel (MPTS) heard Dr Sharma was twice arrested in connection with the incidents, but never convicted.
MPTS hearings apply the civil standard of proof. That means the panel must decide whether, on the balance of probabilities, the allegations are proven.
When the Manchester Evening New's sister site the Liverpool Echo visited Dr Sharma at his home in Prenton, Wirral this week, he was working on the roof of his property before going into the street to speak.
He confirmed his identity and that he had been struck off. Asked for further comment, he said he 'could not say anything at all'.
Dr Shama also faced a number of internal disciplinary proceedings, including on one occasion when he was forced to resign and another when he was suspended, the tribunal heard.
But, as the tribunal was told, despite that he continued working in the NHS and allegedly continued to sexually harass young women and girls he came into contact with. The sexual misconduct complaints spanned a period from October 2009 to October 2021.
They included allegations he left a vulnerable young patient in tears after touching her thigh and questioning her about her sex life; that he groped another young patient's breast and crotch during an examination; and 'trapped' a nurse against a cupboard and licked her face.
The incidents allegedly took place at a GP surgery in Oldham and three hospitals in Merseyside, including the renowned Alder Hey Children's Hospital.
St Mary's Medical Practice, the General Medical Council and Wirral University Teaching Hospital and Aintree University Hospital all said immediate and appropriate action was taken as soon as allegations were made.
Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust said they had 'not been directly involved in any regulatory process or investigations' involving Dr Sharma and were therefore unable to provide any further comment.