Jury retires to consider verdict on Narendra Sharma case (From Swindon Advertiser)

Jury retires to consider verdict on Narendra Sharma case

12:58pm Wednesday 23rd January 2013 in News By Josh Layton

THE jury in the case of a Swindon doctor accused of sexually assaulting a patient has retired to consider its verdict.

Narendra Sharma, 56, has been on trial at Salisbury Crown Court, where he listened to proceedings from the dock today.

He is said to have sexually assaulted a 33-year-old woman with a medical instrument, and sexually touched her without her consent and without reasonably believing she had consented.

A third charge of sexual assault against the doctor was dropped earlier this week.

Dr Sharma, of The Boulevard, Taw Hill, had examined the victim at the Clover Centre, at the Great Western Hospital.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had gone to the hospital after feeling unwell following a wasp sting.

Judge Barnett, recorder of Salisbury, told the jury one of the key questions was to consider whether what Dr Sharma was doing was 'part of a proper and justified medical examination'.

He said: "If he knew full well what he did was not part of a proper and justified medical examination you may find the prosecution have proved the case."

The jury is due to return this afternoon when it will indicate if it has reached a verdict.