Doctor sexually assaulted woman colleague at Telford hospital, court told
A senior house doctor sexually assaulted a female colleague at at Telford’s Princess Royal Hospital, a jury has heard.
Dr Mahendar Kumar Katarapu, 37, is accused of inappropriately touching a nursing assistant during the period August 6, 2016, to February 14, 2017.
Mr Darren Whitehead, prosecuting, told the jury at Shrewsbury Crown Court that the defendant faced two counts of sexual assault.
He said the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, did not agree to be touched and Katarapu did not believe that she had agreed to it.
The woman said the incidents left her feeling “upset” and “uncomfortable”.
She described to the jury how on one occasion she held the sluice room door open for the doctor and as he passed her he lifted his arm and brushed against her chest.
She said the second incident happened in an office when he passed behind her.
“I was writing the menu out and something touched my bottom and brushed against it,” she said.
She told the jury that the doctor was responsible for the touching and she believed it was sexual. She said following the incidents she told another colleague what happened and was advised to report it to a ward sister which she did.
The woman said she could not remember the precise dates of the incidents.
Katarapu, formerly of Edgecombe Way, in Shrewsbury, denies the allegations.
The trial continues.
