Hospital Pharmacy Technician in Scotland Struck Off Following Sexual Harassment of Mentee
Date of Decision: August 26, 2026
Registrant's Role: Pharmacy technician
Allegations:
- Made sexually inappropriate comments and asked sexually inappropriate questions towards a newly appointed colleague on 19 June 2023, when the registrant had been assigned to act as her mentor, including: asking to see the colleague’s nipple piercings and/or asking her to lift or lower clothing to show them; asking about her sexual or romantic experiences and preferences; discussing the registrant’s own sexual or romantic experiences and preferences; offering to perform oral sex on the colleague; making questions or comments about the colleague’s bottom; and describing the colleague as a “cocktease”.
- The registrant was alleged to have engaged in unwanted physical conduct, including: slapping the colleague on the bottom; putting hands under or around her thighs; reaching towards her breasts; and lunging towards her.
- It was alleged that this conduct: occurred without the colleague’s consent; occurred without the registrant having a reasonable belief that she was consenting; and violated her dignity and/or created an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.
- The conduct was alleged to have been: inappropriate; unprofessional; and sexually motivated.
Outcome: Removal from the GPhC register
GPhC Standards Breached:
- Standard 6 – Pharmacy professionals must behave in a professional manner.
- Standard 9 – Pharmacy professionals must demonstrate leadership.
Case Summary
Allegations
This case concerned serious sexual misconduct by a pharmacy technician towards a colleague who was effectively beginning her first working day under the registrant’s mentorship. The registrant worked for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and had been assigned as the colleague’s mentor. That professional relationship was particularly significant because the Committee considered there to be a clear imbalance of power: the colleague was new to the role, while the registrant was expected to support her development and provide appropriate professional leadership.
The conduct took place on 19 June 2023 while the pair were due to work together across two GP surgeries. Earlier, during an introductory “ice breaker”, the colleague had disclosed that she had several piercings, including nipple piercings. According to the evidence accepted by the Committee, the registrant later repeatedly asked to see those piercings, invited the colleague to move her clothing to reveal them and, when she refused, asked whether the registrant could feel them instead.
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- Full allegations considered by the GPhC
- Panel findings and reasoning
- Outcome of the investigation
- Sanctions considered and imposed on the Pharmacy technician
- Key professional learning points
Original Case Document
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The original determination transcript is available to registered users.
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- Full hearing transcript
- Detailed findings of fact
- Sanction reasoning
- Details of the pharmacy professionals involved