Thomas Jenkins

A paedophile junior doctor, Thomas Jenkins, has been struck off the medical register following his conviction for attempting to groom an underage boy. The 28-year-old, who resides in Manchester, was apprehended after engaging in explicit conversations on the gay dating app Grindr, believing he was communicating with a 13-year-old boy named Liam.

Jenkins logged onto the app and directly asked the user for sex, unaware that 'Liam' was in fact an undercover police officer. The officer, posing as the minor, engaged Jenkins in discussions that revealed his intent to incite sexual activity. Jenkins was arrested at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, where he was working at the time. The incident highlights the dangers of online grooming and the role of undercover operations in protecting vulnerable children.

At Manchester Crown Court in April, Jenkins pleaded guilty to the charge of inciting a boy of 13 to engage in sexual activity. The court proceedings underscored the severity of the offence, with the judge emphasising the predatory nature of Jenkins' actions. Following his admission of guilt, Jenkins faced not only criminal penalties but also professional repercussions, leading to his removal from the medical register by the General Medical Council. This decision ensures he can no longer practise medicine in the UK.

The case was investigated by Greater Manchester Police, who commended the effectiveness of digital sting operations in combating child sexual exploitation. No specific details on the exact sentence length were provided in reports, but the conviction and striking off mark a significant downfall for the once-promising doctor. Sources including BBC News and Cavendish Press covered the story, drawing attention to the broader issue of professionals abusing positions of trust in online spaces.