Civil legal action launched by victims of Airdrie GP convicted of sex crimes
Krishna Singh abused his position as a GP to prey on 48 women over 35 years
Victims of a doctor from Airdrie, convicted of sexually assaulting nearly 50 female patients, are launching civil action.
Krishna Singh abused his position as a GP to prey on women for 35 years.
The 72-year-old kissed, groped, gave inappropriate examinations and made sleazy comments to 48 women during appointments in various medical settings across North Lanarkshire.
His victims included a rape victim, teenagers and pregnant women.
He had denied a catalogue of charges against him during a trial at the High Court in Glasgow, but was found guilty following two days of deliberations from the jury.
Calls for better safeguarding measures to be put in place
Now some of the women affected by his crimes are seeking compensation.
They’re being represented in the civil legal proceedings by Thompsons Solicitors, and Patrick McGuire from the firm told Clyde 1 News it’s important measures are put in place to stop anyone else getting away with what Singh did for so long: “It is frankly astonishing, I would say disgusting, that Singh was able to inflict the abuse that he did for so many years, for decades, inflicting terrible impact on so many people.
“It strikes me that there’s an absolute need to overhaul the rules and for safeguarding measures to be properly put in place.”
READ MORE: Doctor guilty of sex crimes against female patients in North Lanarkshire
The lawyer was also keen to praise the victims who’ve come forward for ensuring Singh was brought to justice – and to encourage others who’ve suffered at Singh’s hands to do the same if they feel it’s what they want.
Mr McGuire said: “Every survivor who came forward is vindicated by the guilty charge, every single one of them has been hugely courageous.
“Hopefully now, with this verdict, they can start to put their lives back together.
“I’ve equally no doubt that there probably are more victims out there who’ve not yet came forward. I hope that the verdict gives them the courage they need to do so if they feel that’s the right thing for them.”
Police Scotland hopes conviction provides closure for victims
Singh’s conviction has also been welcomed by Police Scotland.
In a statement Detective Inspector Stephen Morris, of the Specialist Crime Division, said: "Krishna Singh was a doctor, and in a position of trust, at the time he carried out this sexual abuse.
"The victims have shown great courage in coming forward with vital information, making sure he was held accountable for his actions, and ultimately convicted.
"His predatory behaviour was appalling for a man in his position.
"I hope this conviction provides a sense of closure for the victims and sends a clear message that all reports of sexual abuse, regardless of the passage of time, will be thoroughly investigated by Police Scotland and victims will be supported throughout.”