Boots Pharmacist Suspended for Sexual Misconduct Toward Junior Colleague Over Several Years

Allegations

The allegations against the registrant, a pharmacist and pharmacy manager, centered on a prolonged pattern of inappropriate and unprofessional behavior toward a junior colleague, referred to as Witness A. Spanning from 2013 to 2017, the allegations included a wide range of physical, verbal, and digital conduct that breached expected professional boundaries. The conduct included physical interactions such as hugging, touching her legs and shoulders, kissing her neck, slapping her bottom, and once picking her up by the waist and twirling her. The registrant also sent WhatsApp messages with affectionate terms like “hun” and “honey,” and made comments that included sexual innuendo, such as “I would love to look inside that hole” referring to a rip in Witness A’s trousers.

He also gave Witness A a series of personal gifts over several years, including handbags, a bouquet on Valentine’s Day, and various Christmas presents like a Ted Baker gift box and perfume. Some of these actions were admitted by the registrant. A critical part of the allegations was that this conduct was sexually motivated, particularly as it persisted despite repeated objections from Witness A.