Krishna Singh, from Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, was found guilty of 54 sexual offences on women under his care between 1984 and 2018.

The 72-year-old medic claimed he had been using examination techniques learned while training in India. But following a two-month trial at the High Court in Glasgow last month, a jury rejected these claims.

He was found guilty of assaulting 47 women, including a rape victim, pregnant women and three teenage girls.

Many victims were subjected to groping, inappropriate touching and lewd comments while being examined at Singh’s medical practices in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire. Offences also took place in a hospital A&E department and during home visits to patients.

While working as a police casualty surgeon, he sexually assaulted a woman who was reporting being raped.

Returning to court for sentence today, he was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment.

Procurator fiscal for High Court, Ruth McQuaid, said: “Krishna Singh’s behaviour was an appalling betrayal of the trust which exists between patient and doctor.

“He used his position for his own depraved purposes over many years.

“The courage and determination of his victims has brought his offending to an end and I would like to commend their fortitude through a long process.

“The Crown is committed to effectively prosecuting sex offenders, wherever they operate in society. I would urge anyone who has been victim of such crime to come forward: report it and seek support.”