Romford Doctor Jailed for Life Over Shocking Sex Attacks on Patients
Manish Shah, 50, from Brunel Close, Romford, has been handed a life sentence at the Old Bailey. He will serve a minimum of 15 years behind bars after being found guilty of multiple horrific sexual offences against female patients.
Horrific Abuse Revealed at Old Bailey
Shah was convicted of nine counts of sexual assault and 16 counts of sexual assault by penetration, involving six women, following a six-week trial ending December 2019. In a separate trial from 2018, he was found guilty of 65 sexual offences against 18 other women.
In total, Shah’s crimes spanned from 2009 to 2013 and involved 24 female victims aged between 15 and 32. The assaults happened while he was working as a GP at Mawney Medical Centre in Romford, east London.
Trusted GP’s Sickening Deception
Jurors heard Shah manipulated patients into undergoing unnecessary breast and vaginal examinations. He used false urgency, citing cervical and breast cancer, even mentioning celebrity cases to scare victims into compliance.
The court learned how Shah was “overfamiliar” with female patients, making inappropriate comments and touching them without consent. His grooming and abuse shocked the community that once trusted him.
Victims’ Courage Leads to Justice
The abuse came to light in July 2013 when four women reported Shah to the medical practice. Police carried out a meticulous investigation, speaking to 139 women after a full NHS review of Shah’s medical notes raised red flags.
Detective Superintendent Tara McGovern said: “Shah was a long-serving doctor well-known and trusted by his patients. The judge called him a ‘master of deception’. The women had no idea he was abusing his authority for sexual gratification under the guise of medical care.”
McGovern praised the victims for their bravery: “Without their evidence, Shah might never have faced justice. This was a complex and sensitive investigation supported fully by NHS England.”
Help is Available
If you have concerns or believe you may have been affected, NHS England offers support. Contact their dedicated hotline on 0800 011 4253.
