Former practising GP travelled around 100 miles to sexually abuse a 10-year-old girl.

GP Sentenced for Child Sex Offence

A man has been sentenced to three years and three months' imprisonment after pleading guilty to arranging the commission of a child sex offence. The sentencing took place at Guildford Crown Court on March 3, 2023, following an investigation by Surrey Police's Paedophile Online Investigation Team and the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit.

Rupesh Seth, 36, of Filleul Road, Wareham, Dorset, a practising GP at the time, was arrested on November 12, 2020, after traveling from Dorset to Egham with the intention of meeting an adult to sexually abuse their 10-year-old daughter.

Police apprehended Seth upon his arrival, and he was subsequently charged with three counts of making indecent images of children. These charges stemmed from the discovery of indecent images of children on his seized phones.

Seth pleaded guilty to all charges at Guildford Magistrates' Court on November 14, 2020. Following his arrest, he was also suspended from his medical practice.

Detective Constable Andy Grimwood, the investigating officer, emphasized that while Seth's intention was to harm a child, no real-life victim was involved in the investigation, and no children were ever in danger.

"This was a joint operation conducted with the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit, and thankfully, during this investigation, there was never a real life victim and no children were ever in any danger. This is a really good example of the way we can work in collaboration to ensure that offenders are identified and dealt with," Grimwood stated.

The investigation uncovered further evidence of Seth's interest in indecent photos and videos of children, which raised concerns given his position of trust as a GP. Authorities worked with healthcare agencies to ensure appropriate safeguarding measures were put in place.

It's important to note that the offence Seth was charged with did not involve any of his patients.

Detective Inspector James Oxley of the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU) expressed satisfaction with Seth's conviction, stating, "I am pleased that Rupesh Seth recognised his guilt and, as a result, was convicted of these offences. By working closely with Surrey Police and other police forces in the South East, our specialist officers are able to ensure offenders such as Seth are brought before the courts, keeping children safe from harm."

In addition to the prison sentence, Seth was also issued an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.