FATEH PATEL FROM LEICESTER AND OADBY BANNED AFTER SHOCKING INDECENT ACTS IN LEICESTER

In December 2012, a disturbing case involving Fateh Kumar Patel, a pharmacist with ties to Leicester and Oadby, came to light, highlighting serious misconduct that led to his suspension from the pharmaceutical profession.

Patel, aged 58, was found to have engaged in highly inappropriate behavior both inside and outside his residence in Berkeley Close, Oadby. Witnesses reported that he frequently walked around his home completely naked, an act that was observed by neighbors and passersby. Additionally, he displayed a sign bearing the provocative message, “I like your pretty panties,” which he held up in public view, further contributing to concerns about his conduct.

His professional background included working as a relief pharmacist for Boots, a major pharmacy chain, across various branches in Leicester for over three decades. Despite his long-standing career, his reputation was marred by his criminal actions, which culminated in a conviction in 2010. Patel was found guilty of eight counts of indecent exposure, a serious offense that drew significant attention from authorities and the public alike.

Following his conviction, the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) convened a disciplinary panel to assess whether he should continue practicing as a pharmacist. The panel, after careful deliberation, decided to suspend Patel from the profession for a period of one year. This decision was made despite the panel’s acknowledgment that he would not be struck off the register permanently. The reasoning behind this was that Patel had responded positively to rehabilitation efforts, had voluntarily resigned from his pharmacy position, and had reported himself for misconduct, demonstrating remorse and a willingness to change.

Initially, police did not take immediate action when a woman reported witnessing Patel performing a lewd act in her presence. However, subsequent investigations led to his arrest, and he ultimately pleaded guilty to all eight counts of indecent exposure at Leicester Crown Court on July 1, 2010. His sentence included a community order, a requirement to sign the sex offender register for five years, 120 hours of unpaid community service, and participation in a rehabilitation program aimed at addressing his behavior.

During the disciplinary hearing, panel chair Siobhan Goodrich emphasized the gravity of Patel’s misconduct, stating, “When in his own home he walked around naked and exposed himself to [the victim]. Police obtained statements from two others. Such sexual misconduct, albeit at the lower end of the scale, is very serious.”

Patel explained that his actions were influenced by personal difficulties, specifically citing issues within his marriage at the time. His wife and daughter provided statements in his support, and he was described by his current employer as a diligent and hardworking individual.

Ms. Goodrich further noted that Patel had expressed genuine remorse for his actions, describing his regret as “complete, profound and, above all, sincere.” Despite this, the panel concluded that issuing a warning alone would be insufficient to uphold public confidence in the pharmacy profession. They determined that a suspension was appropriate but that removing him from the register permanently would be disproportionate, considering his response to rehabilitation and the potential for him to reintegrate into society without posing a risk to the public.