Adewale Kudabo, a Nigerian healthcare worker, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison for sexually assaulting a female patient while working at York Hospital. The offences took place during his employment at the hospital, as detailed by prosecutor Henry Fernandez. Judge Alex Menary, who presided over the case, stated that Kudabo had abused the trust placed in him as a medical professional.
The York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which operates York Hospital, issued an apology to the victim and confirmed that Kudabo left his position shortly after the incidents occurred.
According to the prosecution, Kudabo, aged 47, was assigned to bathe a patient who was in significant pain. After completing the task, he leaned down and kissed her on the lips. Although the patient was in pain and unable to move easily, she managed to pull away slightly but could not avoid the kiss. The incident left her feeling confused and uncomfortable.
A few days later, Kudabo approached the same patient again, asked if she wanted another bed bath, and once more attempted to kiss her. Despite her efforts to avoid him, he succeeded in kissing her again. The patient later reported the assaults to the police.
The court heard that the experience caused the victim anxiety and flashbacks. Kudabo, who lives in South Bank, York, admitted to two counts of sexual assault on the first day of his trial in April. Judge Menary emphasized the breach of trust involved and stated that the gravity of the offences required an immediate custodial sentence. Kudabo will serve half of the 12-month sentence before being eligible for release.
In his defense, barrister Jerry Sodipe said Kudabo had no prior convictions, had shown remorse, and believed he was offering comfort to the patient due to her pain. Sodipe acknowledged, however, that Kudabo’s actions were inappropriate and unacceptable. Kudabo had moved to the UK with his family for work and has since lost his job as a result of the case.
Following the sentencing, a spokesperson for the NHS Trust reiterated their regret over the incident, stating that patients should always feel safe and respected in their care, and confirmed that decisive action had been taken to end Kudabo’s employment.
