A ‘predatory’ pharmacist who sexually abused two women during medical consultations has been jailed.
Tauqeer Azam, 41, targeted his victims while working in pharmacies in Edinburgh and Glasgow, leaving them feeling “scared, vulnerable, and violently sick” as he abused his position of power.
The court heard how Azam’s first victim was a young woman who visited the Boots Pharmacy at the Gyle Shopping Centre in Edinburgh in May 2021 seeking medical help for a rash on her leg.
Under the pretence of conducting an examination, Azam took the woman into a private room without a chaperone or second witness. He then asked to see her legs before uttering inappropriate sexual remarks, after she partially removed her trousers – leaving the victim feeling “scared and vulnerable”.
Azam was allowed to continue working in pharmacies, and two years later, he struck again.
In 2023, while working at Well Pharmacy on Nitshill Road in Glasgow, Azam assaulted a second woman in almost identical circumstances.
Like his first victim, she had visited the pharmacy seeking treatment for a rash and was taken into a private consultation room without a chaperone or second witness .
Once inside, Azam sexually assaulted her and again made inappropriate sexual comments, leaving the victim feeling “violently sick”.
Azam’s actions were described as a shocking betrayal of trust, with Procurator Fiscal Fraser Gibson praising the bravery of the two women who came forward to expose his crimes.
He said: “Tauqeer Azam is a predatory individual who exploited a position of trust.These two women should have been safe when seeking medical treatment but were instead sexually abused and assaulted.
“This prosecution and conviction were only possible because of their courage in reporting their experiences to the police and giving evidence.Because of that bravery, other women will now be protected while Azam is held accountable for his appalling behaviour.
“I would urge anyone who has experienced similar offending to come forward and report it. You will be listened to and supported as we seek to secure justice using all the tools at our disposal.”
He was found guilty of two charges on January 16 of this year following a trial before a jury at Glasgow Sheriff Court and was sentenced today, Thursday, February 13, to two years. Azam, from Glasgow, will also be placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years.
He was found guilty under the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009 S7(1), which makes it an offense to communicate indecently, from either sending or directing a sexual written or verbal communication to someone without their consent.
Also, he was found guilty under the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009 S3, which makes it illegal to sexually assault someone without their consent – including intentionally or recklessly touching someone sexually.
Authorities have now urged anyone else who may have been a victim of Azam’s abuse to come forward.
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