KRISHNA SINGH, AIRDIRE, SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR GROSS SEXUAL ABUSE IN HIGH COURT CASE

Police have commended the victims of Krishna Singh, a notorious sexual abuser, following his conviction at the High Court.

Singh, aged 72 and residing in Airdrie, exploited his role as a General Practitioner to assault patients over a span of 35 years. His victims included a woman who was raped, teenagers, and pregnant women, all of whom endured inappropriate touching, kissing, invasive examinations, and lewd comments during consultations.

Prosecutors highlighted that Singh managed to hide his misconduct for nearly four decades. The investigation was triggered when one brave victim reported him to police in 2018, leading to a large-scale investigation. Singh was arrested and charged later that year.

During a two-month trial at the Glasgow High Court, Singh pleaded not guilty but was convicted on 54 counts of sexual and indecent assault, covering offenses from 1983 to 2018. The crimes mostly took place at medical clinics in North Lanarkshire, but also at a hospital emergency department, police station, and patients' homes.

Detective Inspector Stephen Morris from the Specialist Crime Division praised the victims for their "great courage" in assisting the investigation. He stated, "Krishna Singh, a doctor, was in a position of trust when he committed these acts. The victims' courage in coming forward was crucial in securing his conviction. His predatory behavior was appalling for someone in his position."

Reflecting on the significance of the case, DI Morris added, "I hope this verdict offers some closure to the victims and reinforces that all reports of sexual abuse, no matter how much time has passed, will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated. Police Scotland is committed to supporting victims."

At the High Court in Glasgow, Krishna Singh was sentenced to 12 years in prison after being found guilty of 54 charges related to abusing patients under his care.

During sentencing, Lord Armstrong stated, "Krishna Singh, you have been convicted of 54 charges involving the calculated and manipulative sexual abuse of 47 women and girls, for whom you held the trust of a general practitioner. These include 25 charges of indecent assault; 24 of sexual assault, under the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009; one of attempted sexual assault; and four involving lewd behaviors towards girls under 16, some violating statutes from 1976, 1995, and 2009."

He emphasized the prolonged and breach of trust, noting that Singh’s misconduct, which spanned 35 years, involved unnecessary and inappropriate physical examinations without clinical reason or proper consent, thereby damaging the reputation of the medical profession and eroding patient trust.

The judge highlighted victim impact statements from 15 women expressing ongoing emotional and psychological harm, including depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, and mistrust in medical professionals, which persists years after the incidents.

Lord Armstrong acknowledged Singh’s age, lack of prior criminal record, and the social and familial context. Although Singh expressed remorse, he did not accept responsibility. The court considered a low risk of re-offending based on a social work report. The judge recognized the historical nature of many crimes, Singh's good work record, and community service.

Despite these mitigating factors, the court underlined the severity of his actions and the societal unacceptability of such conduct. The judge confirmed that imprisonment was the only appropriate penalty, reinforcing that sexual abuse will lead to significant custodial sentences.

Singh’s registration under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 will remain indefinite, and he will be referred to Scottish Ministers regarding the Vulnerable Groups legislation.

The court also ordered that, although the crimes involved distinct incidents, they constituted a single course of conduct. Consequently, Singh’s sentence is a cumulative 12 years, reflecting the overall gravity of the offenses.

This sentence takes effect immediately, with the court underscoring the importance of holding offenders accountable and the broader message that such criminal behavior carries serious penalties.