'Sick and twisted' former GP handed two more life sentences

A 'sick and twisted' former London GP who been jailed for more than 100 sexual offences against 28 women and girls has been handed two more life sentences.

Manish Shah who used to work at Mawney Road medical practise in Romford, east London, abused his position of trust to persuade female patients to undergo unnecessary intimate examinations over four years.

In February 2020, the 53 year old, was handed three life sentences with a minimum term of 15 years in prison for 90 offences against 24 women after two separate trials.

A third trial ended last month in 25 more convictions for sexual offences against four more women and girls.

Judge Peter Rook handed Shah two life sentences with a minimum term of 10 years to run concurrently with the earlier sentences.

The life sentences related to offences against the two youngest victims who were aged 15 and 17 when Shah began to abuse them.

Sentencing at the Old Bailey, Judge Rook said Shah remained a "danger to women" as he highlighted the "scale and nature" of his crimes.

The life sentences not only reflected their gravity but also the "public abhorrence" that followed once they came to light, he said.

Judge Rook told Shah: "You selected young and vulnerable women, gained their trust and preyed on their fears."

He said the consequence of Shah's behaviour had been to divert resources away from the NHS, damage the reputation of the surgery where he had worked and caused "long term psychological damage" to his victims.

He added: "There can be no doubt your actions have undermined trust in general practitioners."

Detective Chief Inspector Tariq Farooqi, of Scotland Yard, said: "Shah is a serial predator and someone who has targeted and caused great harm and pain to many people. I would like to, again, thank the victims and their bravery throughout this investigation.

"We do not tolerate violence against women and girls in any form and I hope this serves as another reminder that those who commit such offences will be found and justice will be served.

An NSPCC spokesperson said: "After years of living with the devasting impact of the sexual abuse and lies inflicted upon them by Shah, these two young women, who were only children at the time, have finally seen their abuser face justice - having shown huge courage in giving evidence against him. It is vital that they receive all the support they need to move forward in their lives.

"It is so important that those who have experienced child sexual abuse are empowered to speak out, with the confidence they will be listened to, regardless of how many years have passed or who the abuser is.

"They can speak to a trained child protection specialist at the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000, while Childline is there for young people on 0800 1111 or <a class="article-body-link" href="http://www.childline.org.uk."">www.childline.org.uk."

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