An Irish doctor who was jailed in the UK for sexually assaulting patients worked in a care centre for people with intellectual disabilities in north Dublin for 22 years.
Dr Muhammad Iqbal, 64, was jailed last week for 18 months at Newcastle Crown Court in relation to two separate incidents in Darlington and Sunderland in 2023.
According to The Irish Times, the victims were attending physiotherapy sessions following road crashes and were seen by Iqbal.
The news outlet has confirmed that Iqbal worked for 22 years at St Michael's in Ballymun, a service that provides a range of services for children and adults with disabilities.
Reports have stated that Iqbal worked in the Dublin care centre throughout the UK court case, with his employment ending last week.
St Michael's House said via The Irish Times, that it complied with all requirements of the Medical Council when concerns about Iqbal were raised. "The safety, welfare, and dignity" of service users has always been their primary concern, according to the care centre.
In a recent statement, a spokesperson for St Michael's House said that it executed all safeguards as the case progressed. “St Michael’s House is aware of the outcome of court proceedings involving Dr Muhammed Iqbal. The safety, welfare and dignity of the people who use our services are our primary concern at all times. Throughout this matter, St Michael’s House acted in accordance with the requirements of the Medical Council and complied with its obligations as an employer," the spokesperson said.
According to The Irish Times, the spokesperson confirmed that Iqbal was no longer working for them and that Iqbal has “satisfied the applicable Garda vetting requirements” when he was employed.
“The organisation complied with the conditions attached to Dr Iqbal’s continued practice. We will be reviewing for any lessons learned and will be liaising with the Medical Council. However, if any service user, family member or guardian has a concern, we ask that they bring it to our attention at the earliest opportunity,” the spokesperson continued.
