Psychiatrist, 69, admits sexually assaulting a bipolar patient and ordering her to perform a sex act in abuse that led her to try to kill herself
- A Melbourne psychiatrist who sexually assaulted a long-term patient is jailed
- The victim was referred to Prabakar Rajan Thomas, 69, in 2011 for treatment
- He began talking to the woman about her sex drive and masturbation habits
- Thomas showed the woman pornographic material and even called her sexy
A Melbourne psychiatrist who sexually assaulted a vulnerable long-term patient has been jailed for at least 14 months.
Prabakar Rajan Thomas, 69, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault which occurred in 2015 after the woman went to him for help.
‘I am perfectly satisfied that the consequences of your offending have greatly exasperated the victim’s mental difficulties,’ County Court Judge Liz Gaynor told Thomas during sentencing on Friday.
Prabakar Rajan Thomas (pictured), 69, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault which occurred in 2015 after the woman went to him for help
The victim was first referred to Thomas for treatment of bipolar in 2011 and began attending regular appointments.
Two years later, after discussing the effects of medication on the woman’s sex drive, Thomas began asking unnecessary questions about her masturbation habits.
Thomas also showed her ‘graphic pornographic material’ and called her sexy when she complained of weight gain caused by medication.
She complained to staff about Thomas’ ‘sleazy’ behaviour but had to make another appointment to get her script filled.
It was at this appointment in November 2015 she was assaulted.
The psychiatrist put his hands in her bra and exposed her breasts and told the woman to masturbate for him, touching her over her clothes.
The victim was first referred to Thomas for treatment of bipolar in 2011 and began attending regular appointments
She reported the attack to police and the medical board but two days later attempted to take her own life.
‘Unfortunately as is often the case the victim has blamed, hated and loathed herself for your offending,’ Judge Gaynor said.
An immediate term of imprisonment was warranted because of the enormous breach of trust, she added.
Thomas was sentenced to serve two years in jail, and must spend at least 14 months behind bars before being eligible for release on parole.
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The psychiatrist put his hands in her bra and exposed her breasts and told the woman to masturbate for him, touching her over her clothes