“It appears tragically that the baby is the real victim"
Satbal Singh, aged 41, of Hounslow, has been jailed for two and a half years for supplying illegal abortion pills.
He acted as the “UK arm” of a Mumbai-based website, storing packs of pills at his home to send on to customers.
Isleworth Crown Court heard a couple from Gloucestershire bought a set of pills online in September 2018.
They bought the pills after an abortion clinic told them it was too late to terminate their pregnancy.
Police were alerted after hospital staff became concerned after the mother failed to turn up at the hospital for the birth.
Officers attended her home and the couple said their baby had been lost.
The home was searched and Misoprostol and Mifepristone tablets were found.
Police were able to link the postage envelope to Singh who had paid the £2.11 Royal Mail posting fee.
Rosalind Earis, prosecuting, said police have not found the baby, while the couple gave conflicting accounts about the premature birth.
The couple remains under investigation.
Police searched Singh’s home and found more illegal abortion pills. Evidence of contact with the Mumbai website operator and jiffy bags to send out the drugs were also found.
Singh was arrested on February 9, 2021.
He initially denied any wrongdoing but later pleaded guilty to one count of supplying poison to be used with intent to procure an abortion.
Judge Karen Holt said:
“It appears tragically that the baby is the real victim in this case.
“There is no evidence put before the court that the baby is now alive.
“You have admitted that you sent these pills to people unknown to you, in unknown circumstances, knowing these pills would be used to procure an unlawful miscarriage.
“You must clearly have foreseen that the pills would be taken outside suitable medical care, by someone who themselves may be vulnerable.”
On May 5, 2021, Singh was jailed for two and a half years.
The website selling the illegal abortion pills is still running.
Louise Pinder, of the CPS, said: “Satbal Singh was part of an illegal business venture procuring unlawful miscarriages among women.
“He sought financial gain from these desperate situations.
“Although he acted as a middle-man, his actions were reckless and could have had severe health implications.”
“When Singh was arrested and interviewed he denied posting any pills and said he was just involved in selling shoes, jewellery and children’s toys on eBay and Facebook.
“He added that the pills found in his home might have been left there by a friend.
“However, when faced with the overwhelming prosecution evidence against him, Singh pleaded guilty.
“Supplying medication outside of a health setting without appropriate medical supervision is illegal and dangerous.
“The CPS will prosecute anyone who breaks the law in this way where there is the evidence to do so.”
Loading ...