Ex-Surgeon Jailed for Rape and Data Breaches
A former colorectal and vascular surgeon, Korambayil, has been slapped with a hefty 14-year prison sentence. He was found guilty of a string of rape offences in North Devon (August 2020) and Cornwall (March 2021). The court revealed he hunted his victims via social media before attacking them in their own homes.
Judge Condemns ‘Calculated Grooming’
Sentencing Korambayil in December 2023, Judge Simon Carr slammed the ex-doc’s actions. “You deliberately targeted women much older than yourself. You found them online, studied their pictures, and groomed them for over a year – there’s no other word for it,” he said.
Victims Left Traumatised
Victim impact statements detailed the lasting scars from Korambayil’s crimes. They spoke of panic attacks, shattered confidence, and sleepless nights. One victim described feeling “broken,” developing a phobia of doctors resembling him, and losing trust in the entire medical profession.
Adding Insult to Injury: Data Breach Convictions
Korambayil also pleaded guilty to three offences under the Computer Misuse Act 1990 and Data Protection Act 2018. He unlawfully accessed patient records at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, where he worked from 2016-2021. This earned him an extra 12-month sentence, consecutive to his 14-year term – a total of 15 years behind bars.
Police Praise Victims’ Bravery
Detective Inspector Daniel Massey, who led the probe, hailed the victims’ courage. “This outcome is owed to the brave victims who not only came forward but stayed engaged throughout the trial,” he said.
On the data breaches, DI Massey added, “He abused a position of trust and authority with his actions.”
Devon and Cornwall Police urge anyone affected by Korambayil to come forward. Quote Operation Humilis or crime ref number 500020000444.
