Vinod Ramachandran, 42, believed he was chatting with a schoolgirl, calling her “sexy” and sharing tips on how to watch porn. Shockingly, the ‘girl’ was a paedophile hunter posing as a child.
Vigilante Sting Ends Career
The father-of-three arranged to meet the ‘girl’ outside a Norwich secondary school with a box of chocolates. Police swooped and arrested him on the spot.
Norwich Crown Court heard how Ramachandran first contacted the fake account via Facebook using a fake name, before switching to WhatsApp. There, his messages became “increasingly sexual.” One read: “You’re 12. I’ll be screwed if someone finds out we’re together. I’ll end up in jail. Please don’t inform the police.”
Sentenced and Struck Off
Convicted of attempted sexual communication with a child, encouraging a child to watch pornography, commissioning a child sex act, and grooming, Ramachandran was jailed for two years last August.
Now, the Health and Care Professions Tribunal Service has struck him off the medical register, banning him from ever working as a radiographer again.
No Regret Shown
The tribunal slammed Ramachandran for showing “no true remorse, apology or regret.” They noted his ongoing denial over his intentions and warned there was a risk of repeat behaviour.
“There is nothing to demonstrate true remorse, apology or regret for his actions… There is nothing to suggest that there would not be a repetition of this conduct again.”
Ramachandran’s disgrace is a grim reminder of the dangers posed by those who abuse trust and the vital role vigilantes play in protecting children.
