GAVIN BOA FROM PAISLEY CONVICTED OF SEX OFFENCES AT ROYAL ALEXANDRA HOSPITAL

A paramedic from Paisley has been found guilty of multiple serious sex offences, including acts of indecency and inappropriate conduct towards colleagues. The incident took place within the context of his employment at an ambulance depot, where he engaged in a pattern of misconduct over a span of seven months. Gavin Boa, aged 32, was involved in sending unsolicited explicit images and messages to two junior female colleagues, creating a distressing and hostile work environment.

During the trial held at Paisley Sheriff Court, Sheriff Lorna Anderson delivered a verdict that painted Boa as neither entirely credible nor reliable. She convicted him on five counts related to sexual misconduct. The court heard that Boa, who had been married for only three months when his misconduct began in May 2023, used his position to pressure one of the women into exposing her breasts after responding to a sick patient. He also sent her images of his genitals and explicitly asked to have sex with her inside an ambulance at the Royal Alexandra Hospital.

Boa denied some of the allegations, specifically claiming he did not ask one woman to show her breasts and that he did not expose himself to her. However, the judge dismissed his claims, citing the credible and consistent evidence provided by the women involved. The court found that Boa’s actions were morally wrong and acknowledged that he admitted to sending explicit videos and images, recognizing that his behaviour was part of a broader, problematic “sexual culture” within the ambulance service.

In his own words, Boa expressed remorse, stating, “It was morally wrong, what I was doing to my wife, my family… it was disrespectful. I was getting caught up in that sexual culture, thinking it was normal and that’s how we all were in the ambulance service.” His actions have led to significant consequences; he will face sentencing later in May, and as part of the legal process, he will be registered on the sex offenders register.

Furthermore, Boa has lost his employment with the Scottish Ambulance Service, and his professional registration has been suspended pending the final sentencing. This case has brought to light ongoing concerns about sexual harassment and misconduct within ambulance services, with recent claims suggesting a troubling workplace culture that may often go unreported. Authorities and organizations are actively working to address these issues, aiming to improve safety, accountability, and conduct within emergency medical services.