A disgraced former GP has been stripped of his MBE after being convicted of sexually assaulting 47 women and girls over 35 years.
Krishna Singh was awarded the MBE in 2013 for services to healthcare but has now been stripped of the title after receiving a 12-year sentence for his crimes.
The 73-year-old qualified as a doctor in India in 1974 and registered with our general medical council in 76 before becoming a GP in Lanarkshire.
During his sentencing, Lord Armstrong told the sex offender: “Krishna Singh, you have been convicted, after trial, of 54 charges, which involved the calculating and manipulative sexual abuse of 47 women and girls in relation to whom, as their general practitioner, you were in a clear position of trust.
“To that extent, by your criminal actions, you undermined the standing of the medical profession by eroding the trust that the female patients concerned would otherwise have had in relation to medical practitioners who treat them.”
“Society has an abhorrence of such conduct, and it is the court’s responsibility to reflect that.”
“It is important that those who might be disposed to commit crimes of sexual abuse against women and children, in the way that you did, understand that they are likely to receive significant custodial penalties once brought to justice.”
The judge is quite correct when he states that society has a disgusting attitude towards such crimes. However, we find ourselves again looking at the crimes of a sexual nature being perpetrated by someone with roots in South Asia over many decades.
So, how can they get away with it for so long?
Reporting sexual assault committed by men from immigrant backgrounds presents many challenges for victims. The decision to speak out can be particularly daunting, as victims must weigh the potential risks of coming forward against the benefits of seeking justice.
In addition to the emotional toll of reliving the traumatic experience, they must contend with the possibility of being accused of racism or xenophobia. This fear is deeply ingrained in society.
Ultimately, deciding to report sexual assault requires carefully weighing the potential benefits of seeking justice against the genuine risks of personal and social repercussions. Victims must navigate a complex and often overwhelming landscape of emotions, cultural expectations, and legal hurdles, all while trying to heal from the trauma they have experienced.
Voicing opposition to injustices can be a daunting challenge, especially when individuals are up against a system that values tolerance and diversity. Even if people muster the courage to speak up, they may face scepticism or disbelief, leading to further isolation and frustration. This is especially true in situations where sensitive or controversial allegations are made.
Regrettably, the consequences of speaking out can be severe. People may be unfairly labelled or stigmatised, resulting in a loss of credibility or missed opportunities. They may also be subjected to harassment or discrimination, making them feel unsafe or unwelcome. Sometimes, the repercussions may even be physical, causing harm or injury.
As a result, many individuals choose to suffer in silence rather than risk being ostracised or marginalised. This can be a lonely and challenging path, but it may be the only option for some. Ultimately, the fear of retaliation or the possibility of being misunderstood can be a powerful deterrent, preventing people from expressing themselves and making their voices heard.
