A senior doctor at Morriston Hospital has been convicted of sexually assaulting two female colleagues in incidents that took place within the hospital’s intensive care unit. Naleen Thota, 55, of Keepers Close, Penllergaer, was sentenced to 21 months in prison, suspended for two years, following a trial at Swansea Crown Court.
The case has raised serious concerns about abuse of power and workplace safety in healthcare environments.
Predatory Behaviour Exposed
Thota, who had worked in Swansea for more than two decades, used his position of authority to target the women in private settings within the hospital. Prosecutors described how he deliberately ensured they were alone, away from potential witnesses, before carrying out the assaults.
Despite initial fear and hesitation, both victims came forward and reported the assaults, leading to Thota’s arrest and eventual conviction on two counts of sexual assault.
Sergeant Danielle Thorne of South Wales Police praised the women for their bravery:
“Naleen Thota abused his position as a senior doctor at Morriston Hospital. This was predatory behaviour that has left a huge impact on his victims’ mental health.”
Sentencing and Consequences
Judge Catherine Richards, in delivering the sentence, commended the victims for their “enormous courage and strength” in pursuing justice. The sentence includes:
- A 21-month prison term, suspended for two years
- 300 hours of unpaid work
- Completion of a rehabilitation programme
- Registration as a sex offender for 10 years
- Two 10-year restraining orders preventing contact with the victims
The judge acknowledged the seriousness of Thota’s actions but cited personal circumstances, including his family’s wellbeing and pressures on the prison system, in suspending the sentence. Thota’s professional future is also uncertain, with a disciplinary hearing expected to determine whether he can continue working in medicine.
Victims Speak Out
Statements read in court offered a chilling insight into the emotional trauma caused by Thota’s actions.
One victim said:
“He wielded his position of power like a weapon to hurt me and silence me. It drove my mental health to a very dark place.”
The second described him as “predatory and calculating,” noting how he masked his intent behind a friendly demeanour.
Public and Professional Response
The sentence has sparked widespread discussion, particularly online. On X, one user wrote:
“A suspended sentence for a sex offender in a hospital? Unbelievable. We need stronger consequences.”
Others debated the broader issue of accountability in senior healthcare roles. Concerns have also been raised about whether institutional cultures allow such abuses of power to persist undetected for too long.
Thota’s conviction adds to a growing list of misconduct cases in the UK’s healthcare sector, intensifying calls for improved whistleblowing protections, training, and oversight.
Support for Survivors
Police and advocacy groups urged other victims of workplace sexual misconduct to seek help. Support services such as Rape Crisis England & Wales and NAPAC (National Association for People Abused in Childhood) provide confidential assistance to survivors.
Sergeant Thorne concluded:
“We hope that this outcome gives some measure of closure to the victims and encourages others in similar situations to come forward.”
If you or someone you know has been affected by this story, support is available via Rape Crisis at 0808 802 9999 or online at rapecrisis.org.uk.
