A HOSPITAL consultant cleared of sexually abusing sedated patients says the allegations have wrecked his career.

Anaesthetist Dr Narendra Sharma said the claims that he used the hands of women undergoing abortions to perform obscene acts on himself had also caused his elderly mother to suffer a heart attack.

'Comments'
After a jury at Manchester Crown Court cleared him of all allegations, Dr Sharma, of Bowdon, Cheshire, told the MEN: "I have been abused at home, in supermarkets and even at court during the trial. Even while out shopping in a local supermarket and in the toilets at court, people have made derisive comments to me."

The father-of-two was arrested 12 months ago over allegations made by staff at the Marie Stopes abortion clinic in Fallowfield. The claims involved three patients. Yesterday, he was found not guilty on three charges of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without their consent.

'Embarrassing'
Dr Sharmsa, who was told by judge Michael Henshell that he could leave court without a stain on his character, said: "The shame of me being arrested led to my 80-year-old mother, who lives in India, having a heart attack. It is very drastic and embarrassing in India for anyone to be accused of sexual abuse, let alone a doctor.

"Anything like this brings shame not just on me but on the whole family. My main priority now is to go home and see my mother."

Dr Sharma, who has taken anti-depressants since being accused, said he planned to try to resurrect his career in this country.

'Support'
"During the last 12 months I have not been allowed to do any clinical work by the General Medical Council because the allegations were so serious," he said. "Fortunately all my friends who know me well have supported me throughout the investigation and they have all refused to believe the allegations."

But Dr Sharma, who lives with his wife Anita, also stressed how sorry he felt for the patients at the centre of the allegations who only heard of the claims some time after their operations.

'Distressed'
"It must be just as bad for them and I am concerned and distressed that they have had to go through this nightmare along with me because of these cruel allegations which were made against me," he said.

"Patients usually want to thank me for being a caring and kind doctor. I respect my patients and would never contemplate doing anything like this to anyone."

Lawyers acting for the doctor maintained throughout the trial that he was the innocent victim of a culture of racism and bullying.

Dr Sharma and his legal team said they wanted to thank the M.E.N's coverage of the case which led to a vital defence witness coming forward after reading the story.

The witness, Andrea Blair, did not know Dr Sharma but gave crucial evidence for the defence. She told the jury she had seen bullying and `extreme' and `open' racism when she worked at the clinic from July to November last .

A spokesman for Marie Stopes International said any allegations that there was a racist culture at the clinic were strongly refuted.

She said: "We employ staff from all ethnic backgrounds and all members of staff are equally and highly valued. We have co-operated fully with the police throughout this investigation.

"We are fully committed to giving our clients the highest standards of care. We take all possible precautions to ensure their safety and well-being."