"left children with emotional and physical scars"
A former surgeon was jailed for five years and seven months for performing “unsafe” circumcisions on children whilst ignoring basic hygiene rules.
The prosecution was brought because of the methods Dr Mohammad Siddiqui used which showed a disregard for patient health, safety and comfort in private residences between 2014 and 2018.
Between June 2012 and November 2013, he provided a mobile circumcision service whilst working as a clinical fellow in paediatric surgery at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.
He was able to source the anaesthetic Bupivacaine Hydrochloride, which is a prescription-only medication.
In 2015, Siddiqui was struck off the General Medical Council Register after he was found guilty of failures in performing non-therapeutic male circumcisions in the homes of four babies.
Despite being struck off, Siddiqui continued to provide a mobile circumcision service.
No longer being considered a ‘Health Care Professional’, he was able to do so because non-therapeutic male circumcision is unregulated with no requirement to be carried out by a medical practitioner.
Siddiqui continued using Bupivacaine Hydrochloride and carried out circumcisions in unsafe, unsanitary and harmful ways.
He advertised his services across the UK and by appointment, performed non-therapeutic male circumcisions on young patients up to the age of 14 in their homes.
The 58-year-old from Birmingham pleaded guilty to a total of 25 offences, which included 11 counts of actual bodily harm, 6 counts of cruelty to a child and 8 counts of administering prescription-only medicines contrary to the law.
Anja Hohmeyer, of the CPS, said: “Siddiqui practised these circumcising acts in an unsafe and unsanitary environment and left children with emotional and physical scars as a result of his actions.
“He showed a complete disregard for the impact of his actions on his victims, families, and communities.
“The delays Dr Siddiqui has caused to disrupt and elongate court proceedings whilst ultimately undertaking his own defence also need to be recognised.
“His actions throughout the court process have caused significant further disruption and distress to his victims and their families, alongside significant additional legal costs due to the length of the delays he has caused.
“We hope that this conviction offers draws a line for all of those affected and brings some comfort to them in seeing Siddiqui being brought to justice.
“The CPS is committed to working with law enforcement partners to bring criminals to justice who wish to do harm.”
Police Staff Investigator Damon Kennard from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary said:
“This was a highly unusual case for police to become involved in.”
“As ‘Officer in the Case’ for this investigation, I was concerned at Dr Siddiqui’s apparent lack of insight and willingness to take action to remediate clinical failings highlighted to him by the General Medical Council that would have ensured the correct procedures were performed.
“He appeared entirely indifferent to the risk and suffering he was subjecting children to and in so doing betrayed the trust parents had placed in him to conduct a safe and sanitary circumcision.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many Police Forces across the UK who assisted with this investigation and above all the families and victims who remained supportive despite the protracted nature of the prosecution.”
A serious organised crime prevention order was granted, preventing Siddiqui from undertaking non-therapeutic circumcision following his release from custody.
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