A senior heart surgeon, who abused his position of power, has been sentenced to six years in jail for sexually assaulting female hospital staff for over five years.
Amal Bose, 55, from Lancaster, was convicted in June of 12 counts of sexual assault against five women while working at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
The court heard that the former head of the hospital’s cardiovascular surgery service had created a “toxic and sexualised culture” and he used his seniority to intimidate junior colleagues who felt unable to speak out.
Intimidation and Lasting Trauma
Victims told Preston Crown Court that they were too intimidated to report Bose’s behaviour due to his high-ranking position. Bose, however, dismissed his actions as “only flirting” when arrested by Lancashire Police.
The court heard harrowing details of his abuse, which included touching women on their breasts, groin, and waists, often passing it off as accidental or banter.
He regularly commented on women’s appearances, referring to one as “fresh meat” and describing others as “shaggable” in a WhatsApp group.
One woman told the court that newcomers were advised on how to deal with the surgeon, as his behaviour was a “well-known fact.”
Impact on survivors and seeking justice
The court heard that the impact on the survivors has been profound, resulting in lasting psychological and professional damage. Several survivors reported long-term effects, including panic attacks and anxiety.
The trauma was so severe that one woman began self-harming to cope with the pain, and two women felt forced to leave their jobs to escape the abuse.
One survivor, targeted for three years, testified that she would go off sick to avoid Bose, stating he had “touched every intimate part of me for his gratification.” She added that the memory still “turns my stomach and makes me feel physically sick” and that she is now in therapy for trauma and anxiety.
Another survivor shared that she still wakes up with night terrors and was left feeling “isolated, vulnerable and deeply ashamed.”
Lack of Remorse and Institutional Failure
When Sentencing Bose, Judge Ian Unsworth KC praised the woman for being “incredibly brave.”
Addressing the former surgeon directly, Judge Unsworth stated that Bose did not show “any genuine remorse to victims or survivors” and had brought them “degradation and humiliation.”
“You used your exalted position to facilitate your sexual offending,” the judge said. “The reality is that you were a sexual predator hiding in plain sight.”
Survivors speak up
Compounding the survivors’ ordeal, women spoke of feeling guilty for not reporting sooner and of being let down by the hospital’s management.
One victim stated she felt management at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust had “failed to protect me,” and another felt they were made to feel “partly at fault” for not speaking up sooner.
From Surgeon to sentencing
In Bose’s defence, Tom Price KC acknowledged that his client had put the victims through the ordeal of a trial but argued that Bose had only fully realised their true hurt in court.
Highlighting Bose’s fall from grace, the court heard that the highly skilled surgeon—who had devoted his life to public service—is now working as a parcel delivery man.
Judge Unsworth acknowledged that Bose was a highly regarded surgeon but said this simply made his offending “all the more tragic.”
Bose was sentenced to six years, with at least half to be served in prison. He will also be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.
The Chief Executive at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals states
Maggie Oldham, chief executive at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, said the trust was “truly shocked and saddened by the experiences of the victims.” She thanked staff for their bravery and courage, confirming the trust cooperated with police throughout the investigation, and that Bose has not worked at the trust since December 2022.
Frequently asked questions:
What is Harassment at Work?
Unfortunately, many people experience unpleasant treatment at work at the hands of their managers and colleagues at some time during their working career. Sometimes this activity deeply affects individuals, and it can cause them unnecessary stress at work.
There is no true legal definition of harassment, though there are brief guidelines, which are as follows:
- The course of conduct was directed at the Claimant.
The harassment must have been towards the actual individual raising the grievance. For example, a manager targeting his or her secretary.
- The harassment occurred on at least two occasions.
It must be a recurring event – meaning that it has happened more than once, such as a particular type of unpleasant behaviour.
- The conduct was calculated in an objective sense to cause alarm or distress.
The incident was clearly designed to hurt the person being targeted, with the intention of causing upset.
- The conduct was oppressive and unreasonable.
Meaning that it would be deemed ‘out of order’ and not in any way acceptable in a working or social environment.
In order to pursue a claim, the misconduct must have been reported to your employer to allow them the opportunity to act. Should you be dissatisfied with their response or if no action is taken at all, then it is time to take your matter for legal examination.
Examples of sexual harassment
Many examples and scenarios could be defined as sexual harassment, but here are some examples as described by ACAS:
- Flirting, gesturing, or making sexual remarks about someone’s body, clothing, or appearance.
- Asking questions about someone’s sex life.
- Telling sexually offensive jokes.
- Making sexual comments or jokes about someone’s sexual orientation or gender reassignment.
- Displaying or sharing pornographic or sexual images, or other sexual content.
- Touching someone against their will, for example, hugging them.
- Sexual assault or rape.
What is the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)?
The CICA is a government-funded authority that aims to compensate blameless victims of an assault or other violent crimes. It was originally formed in 1996 with the sole purpose of providing compensation to blameless victims of violent crime. The value of compensation that it offers for a single injury can vary from £1,000 up to £250,000, with a maximum total payment of £500,000 being available for a CICA claim.
A physical assault is the most common form of claim that is submitted to the CICA. They can often involve unprovoked attacks, sometimes with the suspect using a weapon to inflict the injuries.
How much will the CICA offer me for an assault claim?
Upon their formation, the CICA introduced a statutory Scheme in 1996, which has seen several amendments over time, containing a tariff of injuries. This tariff provides compensation for many common injuries that increase in value with severity and the ongoing recovery a victim is undertaking.
Victims of physical assaults can claim not only for their physical injuries but also for the psychological effects that an incident has had on them. The compensation offered by the CICA for such injuries is again dependent on the severity.
Further information:
Surgeon who sexually assaulted colleagues jailed.
Sexual Harassment No Win No Fee Solicitors.
Sexual Abuse/ Domestic Abuse Claims.
WHAT TO DO NEXT:
After sustaining an assault, we understand that the last thing an individual wants to do is progress down a stressful claims experience.
At Oakwood Solicitors, we want to take away the stress of progressing with an assault claim while also helping you obtain the compensation to which you are entitled and get you the justice you deserve.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a similar situation with harassment at work, please get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation.
Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page or call us on 0113 200 9720.
Molly Frost joined the Firm in June 2024 and specializes in abuse compensation claims. Having over 20 years’ experience helping survivors recover compensation, she is considered an expert in her fie…
What counts as workplace sexual harassment?
What is sexual harassment, what can be classed as 'the workplace', and what are your rights if you experience it?
This article aims to answer the above questions. Individual workin…
View
Sexual Assault Survivors Gain A New Right to Review Pilot
For the first time, a Victim's Right to Review (VRR) pilot will allow victims of serious sexual assault and rape who may have their cases dismissed by prosecutors to have a fresh prosecutor evalua…
View
