A 47-year-old nurse of Indian origin from Kerala has been sentenced to seven years and nine months in prison in Scotland after being found guilty of raping a colleague and sexually assaulting two other women at his workplace in North Lanarkshire. The offences, which took place in 2018, involved coercion, abuse of authority, and predatory behaviour at a care home where he was employed.

The Offender and Sentencing

The convicted individual, identified as Naijil Paul, admitted to the crimes in October during his trial, leading to a reduction in his sentence. The Glasgow High Court handed down the prison term on Monday. Justice Lord Renucci, who presided over the case, highlighted the severity of Paul’s predatory conduct and his abuse of a position of power in a care setting.

The judge also noted concerning comments made by Paul during the proceedings that suggested victim-blaming tendencies. While Paul was assessed as posing a “medium risk” of reoffending, the court remarked that this assessment likely underestimated his potential for future predatory behaviour. The judge emphasized that the account provided by Paul often conflicted with the admissions he made, underscoring the serious nature of the offences.

Timeline of the Case

Paul was initially charged in 2018. However, in December 2019, shortly before his trial, he fled to his hometown of Kochi in Kerala, citing his father’s ill health. He remained at large until February of this year, when he was arrested and subsequently extradited from India to Scotland to face trial.

During the proceedings, Paul admitted to one count of rape and two counts of sexual assault. The court considered his plea in determining the sentence, while also acknowledging the coercive and exploitative circumstances under which the crimes were committed.

Details of the Crimes

The primary victim, a 26-year-old female colleague, had recently returned to work after a period of sick leave and was reportedly under financial strain. Paul, aware of her vulnerability, allegedly threatened her with job loss if she did not comply with his demands. He then sexually assaulted her in her office, instructing her not to report the incident and implying that no one would believe her.

Two additional women, aged 19 and 21, were also sexually assaulted by Paul. One was kissed and inappropriately touched while the other was molested after he made suggestive remarks about her body language and relationship status. The predatory behaviour demonstrated Paul’s misuse of authority and the workplace environment to exploit vulnerable colleagues.

Court Observations

The judge emphasized that the case involved a serious breach of trust and predatory exploitation within a care facility, a context that made the offences particularly reprehensible. “In addition to the serious and predatory nature of your offending, notwithstanding the fact you pled guilty, the version of events given by you bears little resemblance to what you have admitted to,” Justice Lord Renucci noted.

The sentencing reflects the Scottish legal system’s firm stance on sexual offences in professional settings, especially where abuse of authority and coercion are involved. The court also underscored that Paul’s conduct exploited the victims’ vulnerabilities, including financial hardship and workplace dependence.

Impact and Wider Implications

This case has drawn attention to workplace safety, the responsibility of care institutions to protect employees, and the challenges in pursuing justice when offenders flee across international borders. The extradition of Paul from India to Scotland highlights the cooperation between the two countries’ legal systems in addressing serious criminal offences.

Authorities continue to urge vigilance in professional environments, especially where employees may be in vulnerable positions, to prevent similar abuses and ensure that offenders are held accountable to the full extent of the law.

Naijil Paul’s nearly eight-year sentence serves as a stern reminder of the legal and social consequences of sexual exploitation in the workplace, emphasizing the need for robust safeguarding policies in care and healthcare settings.