A misconduct hearing for Dr Jawad Ahmad has been given permission to proceed in his absence. Dr Ahmad left the UK around five years ago following sexual assault accusations and is believed to be in Pakistan, according to Staffordshire Police.
Dr Ahmad faces six allegations of misconduct. These include accusations of sexual harassment against a junior doctor, referred to as Ms A, in 2020 while they both worked at the Royal Stoke University Hospital.
The allegations made by Ms A include invitations to dinner, requests to visit her home, hugging her, pushing her onto a chair, massaging her back and shoulders, and kissing her. The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) hearing report stated these alleged actions were an abuse of his senior position, sexually motivated, and without Ms A's consent.
Additionally, Dr Ahmad is accused of failing to inform his employer of his arrest on suspicion of sexually assaulting a teenage girl in June 2020. He was taken into custody two days before signing a contract extension with University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust on 22 June 2020.
The General Medical Council considered his actions dishonest, stating he had an obligation to declare his arrest but did not, reportedly to secure the new contract. Staffordshire Police confirmed they would be notified if Dr Ahmad returns to the UK or a country supporting extradition, at which point he would be arrested and interviewed.