By Jenness Mitchell - Sky News - 17.02.2025 - [Tauqeer Azam] - [SCOTLAND]
A "predatory" pharmacist who abused two women during medical examinations has been jailed for two years.
A campaign group has branded the punishment of Tauqeer Azam "remarkably lenient for someone who is clearly a very dangerous individual".
Azam, 41, targeted his first victim while working at Boots Pharmacy in Edinburgh's Gyle Shopping Centre in May 2021. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said the young woman had sought medical assistance for a rash on her leg.
She was taken to a private room, without a chaperone or second witness, where Azam asked to see her legs.
COPFS said after she partially removed her trousers, the accused uttered remarks of a sexual nature, leaving the victim feeling "scared and vulnerable".
Azam, of Glasgow, preyed on his second victim while working at Well Pharmacy in the city's Nitshill Road in 2023. The woman had sought treatment for a rash and was taken into a private consultation room without a chaperone.
COPFS said Azam sexually assaulted the woman and made inappropriate sexual remarks, leaving the victim feeling "violently sick".
Azam was last month found guilty of two charges - communicating indecently and sexual assault - following a trial at Glasgow Sheriff Court.
He returned to the dock on Thursday, where he was jailed for two years and added to the sex offenders' register for a decade.
For Women Scotland said "this cannot be allowed to happen anywhere else" as it called on pharmacies to ensure robust training is in place and staff are made aware of the "necessity to chaperone those seeking a consultation".
Susan Smith, director of the campaign group, told Sky News: "There is something especially repellent about healthcare professionals who exploit their role and abuse the trust of those seeking medical help.
"This is clearly a pattern of behaviour and, sadly, it's unlikely these two women were the only victims.
"There is a level of premeditation and calculation which is chilling. Two years seems remarkably lenient for someone who is clearly a very dangerous individual."
Fraser Gibson, procurator fiscal for Glasgow and Strathkelvin, urged anyone who has experienced similar offending to come forward and report it.
He added: "Tauqeer Azam is a predatory individual who exploited a position of trust.
"These two women should have been safe when seeking medical treatment but were instead sexually abused and assaulted.
"This prosecution and conviction were only possible because of their courage in reporting their experiences to the police and giving evidence.
"Because of that bravery, other women will now be protected while Azam is held accountable for his appalling behaviour."
Boots and Well Pharmacy were contacted for comment.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article and were abused in state run medical and health facilities, you can contact Dignity4Patients, whose helpline is open Monday to Thursday 10am to 4pm.
Dignity4Patients Commentary:- Patients deserve to have confidence that their physician will act with professionalism. Having a chaperone present offers an additional layer of security for the healthcare provider and provides reassurance for the patient while acknowledging their vulnerability. #StopSexualAbuse #PatientProtection #PatientSafety