Pharmacist’s Fitness to Practise Restored After Suspension for Sexually Motivated Boundary Violations With Colleagues
Date of Decision: August 21, 2026
Registrant's Role: Pharmacist
Allegations:
- Between approximately 2015 and 2018, the registrant hugged Colleague C on one or more occasions, including without permission, and opened his arms for a hug in a way that made it difficult for her to pass.
- The registrant sent Colleague C Instagram messages including references to receiving a “proper hug”, describing her as “wife material”, and inviting her for a drink.
- Between approximately 2015 and 2019, the registrant hugged Colleague D without permission, including from behind and for a prolonged period.
- The registrant sent Colleague D an Instagram message complimenting her physical appearance.
- Between approximately 2016 and 2021, the registrant frequently hugged Colleague E intensely and for prolonged periods.
- On one or more occasions, the registrant removed Colleague E’s bleep from her person or clothing in order to hug her.
- Between approximately 2017 and 2020, the registrant hugged Colleague F without permission, liked photographs she posted on Instagram and sent private messages complimenting her physical appearance.
- Between approximately March 2019 and August 2020, the registrant placed his hand over Colleague J’s bra strap in the middle of her back and slowly rubbed that area.
- The registrant hugged Colleague J and sent her Instagram messages commenting on her appearance and containing suggestive remarks.
- On 16 December 2020, the Trust advised the registrant about his hugging and touching of colleagues and how this behaviour was perceived by staff.
- Despite receiving that advice, the registrant continued to hug and/or touch members of staff.
- The registrant admitted that the relevant conduct transgressed proper professional boundaries.
- Sexual motivation was found proved specifically in relation to the touching of Colleague J’s bra-strap area and specified Instagram communications with Colleague J.
Outcome: Fitness to practise was found to be no longer impaired
GPhC Standards Breached:
- None
Case Summary
Allegations
This case concerned a pharmacist whose professional conduct towards a number of female colleagues resulted in serious findings of misconduct and a 12-month suspension from the register. The conduct developed over a period of several years while the registrant was working at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and involved repeated physical contact, unwanted hugging, personal communications through Instagram and, in one particularly serious group of allegations, sexually motivated touching and messaging.
The proven conduct was not confined to one isolated interaction or one colleague. In relation to Colleague C, the registrant hugged her without permission and on one occasion positioned himself with his arms open for a hug in a way that made it difficult for her to pass. He also sent her Instagram communications of a personal nature, including references to hugs, describing her as “wife material” and inviting her for a drink.
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