For over a decade, Dr Daman Sharma was able to continue practising medicine in the NHS despite a staggering number of serious complaints about his conduct. This week, the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) finally struck him off after finding 34 allegations – including 117 separate claims – of sexual harassment, inappropriate behaviour, and dishonesty proven.

The complaints came from seven women and girls, including two vulnerable patients under 18 and five colleagues. What’s even more disturbing is the pattern: Sharma was accused of unwanted touching, sexually motivated comments, and predatory actions dating back as far as 2009. Yet at every turn, he was given another chance.

A Pattern of Abuse and Inaction

Sharma worked across several sites including St Mary’s Medical Practice in Oldham, and hospitals in Merseyside such as Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Arrowe Park. In many cases, internal investigations were launched – some resulting in suspension or resignation. He was even arrested twice. Still, he kept working, aided by what the GMC described as a career-long pattern of being “given the benefit of the doubt.”

In one 2016 case, while working at a practice in Oldham, Sharma was accused of hugging a vulnerable underage girl, touching her thigh, brushing his cheek against hers, and asking her inappropriate sexual questions. The teenager was reportedly in tears after the 50-minute consultation.

Just a week earlier, conditions placed on his practice following a previous disciplinary issue had been lifted.

Inappropriate Comments and Harassment of Colleagues

Sharma’s behaviour extended beyond patients. Several female colleagues described being harassed, including one nurse who said he cornered her and licked her face. Others reported repeated questioning about their sex lives, persistent WhatsApp messages, and inappropriate physical contact.

In one case, he obtained a colleague’s number without her consent and began messaging her frequently before asking to touch her breasts and making a lewd sexual remark.

“It Made Me Feel Horrendous”

One victim said she felt terrified going to work: “He was so respected by everyone, I thought, ‘Am I blowing this out of proportion?’ I just felt like a little kid. I couldn’t protect myself.”

Despite repeated investigations and warnings, Sharma continued to offend. In 2021, he signed a statement agreeing to stop asking personal questions and making staff uncomfortable. But just months later, he was back to harassing a new colleague.

Blame and Denial

In his statement to the tribunal, Sharma admitted some of his behaviour had been inappropriate but denied any sexual motivation. He apologised for damaging the profession's reputation but also suggested "cultural differences" may have played a role.

The tribunal rejected that argument, citing a “concerning” tendency to isolate his victims, ignore clear boundaries, and persist even after being told to stop.

The Final Decision