A former psychiatrist has been sentenced to six years in prison for sexually assaulting three female patients under his care, following a thorough investigation by Greater Manchester Police and courageous testimonies from victims who bravely came forward despite significant emotional distress.
Vijay Gaikwad, 44, of St Catherine’s Gardens, Lowton, was sentenced at Bolton Crown Court on Friday after being found guilty of multiple counts of sexual assault. The court heard how the qualified medical practitioner exploited his position of trust during routine mental health appointments between 2019 and 2020.
The case highlights the devastating impact of professional misconduct within the medical community and the courage required by victims to report such serious breaches of trust by healthcare professionals.
Details of the Offences
The offences occurred during medical appointments where Gaikwad was treating the three women for mental health conditions and ongoing medication reviews. In each appointment, the psychiatrist suggested he needed to carry out physical examinations of the patients.
During these unnecessary examinations, Gaikwad inappropriately touched and squeezed the women’s breasts, despite there being no medical justification for such contact. The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that the physical examinations served no legitimate medical purpose.
Gill Petrovic, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, explained the gravity of the offences: “As a doctor, Vijay Gaikwad was trusted by his patients. He abused that trust by sexually assaulting three patients in his care.”
The prosecutor revealed the profound impact on the victims, stating: “Gaikwad’s sickening actions have had a profound impact on the women who came to him for help. One woman told police that she had self-harmed after this incident because it had upset her so much.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Gaikwad consistently denied the allegations throughout the investigation and legal proceedings. During police interviews, he denied carrying out physical examinations of the women’s breasts and refuted all charges of sexual assault.
The case proceeded to trial at Bolton Crown Court, where Gaikwad was found guilty on 12 May 2025 of three counts of sexual assault. He returned to court on Friday, 25 July 2025, for sentencing.
Detective Constable Lucy Page, who led the investigation for Greater Manchester Police, praised the victims’ courage in coming forward. “Firstly, I would like to extend my gratitude to the victims who supported the investigation who bravely came forward to report the incidents, despite the significant emotional distress they experienced,” she said.
Police Response and Justice System
DC Page emphasised the serious nature of Gaikwad’s actions and their impact on the victims: “Gaikwad abused his position of trust in the most egregious manner, and today’s outcome reflects the seriousness of his actions. This sentencing will provide some sense of justice for the victims.”
The investigating officer stressed that Greater Manchester Police takes all allegations of sexual assault seriously, regardless of when they occurred: “Time is no barrier when it comes to being sexually abused – no matter how long ago it was, or how old you were at the time, we will listen to you. We will support you, investigate, and act robustly against perpetrators.”
She added: “We will take your allegations seriously and treat you with dignity and respect.”
Impact on Victims and Professional Standards
The prosecution revealed that Gaikwad’s actions caused severe psychological trauma to his victims. The CPS noted that his refusal to accept responsibility compounded the victims’ suffering by forcing them to relive their ordeal during the trial process.
“Gaikwad failed to take responsibility for his actions, making them relive their abuse at trial,” Petrovic stated. “I would like to thank the women who supported this prosecution. It would not have been possible to bring Gaikwad to justice without them.”
The case represents a serious breach of the fundamental trust between healthcare professionals and their patients, with the offences occurring during what should have been safe therapeutic environments.
Support Services and Reporting Mechanisms
Greater Manchester Police has highlighted the importance of reporting sexual assault and rape, emphasising that support is available for all victims regardless of when the offences occurred.
The force encourages anyone who has experienced sexual assault to come forward, providing multiple reporting options including calling 101, using the Live Chat function on the GMP website, or making anonymous reports through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police stress that “if in doubt report it” and encourage victims not to suffer in silence.
Specialist Support Available
Several specialist support services are available for victims of sexual assault in Greater Manchester:
Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre provides comprehensive support to men, women, and children who have been sexually assaulted. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support, and counselling services for all ages. Services are available 24 hours a day and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis offers confidential information, support, and counselling services run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused. They can be contacted on 0161 273 4500 or by email at help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk.
Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma-informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape, or sexual exploitation. They can be reached on 0161 236 2182.
Broader Context and Professional Accountability
This case occurs within a broader context of efforts to address sexual misconduct within professional settings. The conviction demonstrates the criminal justice system’s commitment to holding medical professionals accountable when they breach the fundamental trust placed in them by patients.
The sentencing sends a clear message that abuse of professional positions will be met with serious criminal sanctions. The six-year prison term reflects the court’s recognition of the gravity of exploiting vulnerable patients seeking medical help.
Legal experts note that cases involving medical professionals often present particular challenges due to the inherent power imbalance between doctors and patients, making the victims’ courage in coming forward particularly significant.
Ongoing Legal Action
Following the criminal conviction, legal firm Hugh James has issued an appeal for other potential victims to come forward. Alan Collins, a specialist solicitor in abuse litigation, represents one of the victims in potential civil proceedings.
The firm is seeking to identify any additional victims who may have been sexually or physically assaulted by Gaikwad, suggesting the possibility of further cases beyond those that led to the criminal conviction.
This development indicates that the full extent of Gaikwad’s misconduct may still be emerging, with civil proceedings potentially providing additional avenues for justice and compensation for victims.
Message to Other Victims
Both Greater Manchester Police and the Crown Prosecution Service have used this case to encourage other victims of sexual assault to come forward, emphasising that professional support and understanding are available.
The successful prosecution demonstrates that allegations against professionals in positions of trust are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly, regardless of the perceived status or credibility of the perpetrator.
CPS Senior Crown Prosecutor Gill Petrovic stated: “I hope this case will give other survivors of sexual abuse the confidence to come forward.
Anyone affected by sexual assault is encouraged to seek support through the services listed above or by contacting Greater Manchester Police on 101.
Follow for more updates on Britannia Daily
