Amal Bose

Amal Bose, a 55-year-old consultant heart surgeon from Lancaster, was convicted at Preston Crown Court of 12 counts of sexual assault against five female staff members at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, where he served as head of the cardiovascular unit. The assaults occurred between 2017 and 2022, with Bose exploiting his senior position to create a toxic workplace environment characterised by unchallenged inappropriate behaviour.

Prosecutor Huw Edwards described Bose's actions as 'sexual targeting of females - and mainly younger females', going 'beyond workplace jokes'. One victim recounted being groped by Bose as she scrubbed in for surgery, while on another occasion, he rested his head on her shoulder, causing her concern about perceptions of their relationship. Another incident involved Bose pulling down a woman's top to expose her chest and bra, and in a separate case, he groped a staff member's breast while taking a pen from her pocket. He frequently stood too close to female colleagues and made crude remarks, such as calling one 'fresh meat'.

• Victims reported a culture where Bose's behaviour was 'a well-known fact', with new employees being warned about him upon arrival.
• One woman altered her working patterns to avoid encounters, leading to a 'terrible sickness record' due to the distress caused.
• Despite reports to colleagues, incidents were often ignored and 'never spoken about again'.

Bose dismissed his conduct as 'only flirting' and 'banter' during the trial, but the court rejected this defence. He was cleared of two additional counts. Senior Crown Prosecutor Sacha Coyne highlighted Bose's abuse of his trusted position, stating: 'He abused this by creating a toxic environment, making sexual comments, and sexually assaulting five women who worked at the hospital. He appeared not to recognise the serious and lasting impact his actions would have.' The victims' courage in supporting the prosecution was praised, with Coyne adding that the case sends 'a clear message to perpetrators of sexual abuse' that the Crown Prosecution Service will prosecute regardless of societal position.

The conviction underscores systemic issues in the workplace, where Bose's arrogance and crudeness went unchallenged due to his seniority, as reported by Lancs Live and ITV News Granada.