Vic: Doctor avoids prison time for indecently touching patient
01 Dec 2008 11:58 AM
A Melbourne doctor who performed an indecent act on a suicidal transsexual patient under his care has avoided jail time.
53-year-old Dr SULIEMAN HAMID allegedly touched the mentally ill patient on her breasts and neck while treating her for a slashed wrist at the Sunshine Hospital in June last year.
The Victorian County Court heard the patient had propositioned the doctor in the cubicle as he was treating her.
HAMID was found guilty of committing an indecent act against a person of impaired cognitive function .. but was cleared of four related counts.
In sentencing him to two years jail .. suspended for three years .. Judge MICHAEL MCINERNEY said the doctor had abused the trust of a vulnerable patient.
