Doctor who squeezed a cleaner's butt in a cupboard was allowed to continue working while awaiting trial for sexual assault

A doctor who trapped a cleaner's bottom in a cupboard was allowed to continue working while he awaits trial for sexual assault, a court heard.

Married father of four, Chiemedo Ikpo, 50, left his victim in a “completely desolate” state after pursuing his “amorous intentions” against her will.

He squeezed her bottom for six seconds at St Mary's Hospital on the Isle of Wight. Ikpo, who was supported in court by his wife, avoided a prison sentence and was sentenced to community service after being found guilty of sexual assault in an earlier trial. Portsmouth Crown Court heard he was initially suspended but then allowed to work under supervision – including in gynaecology.

He was finally sacked by the Isle of Wight NHS Trust following his conviction in June – more than four years after the incident. His victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, criticised the trust's decision to keep him working.

She said she felt she was seen as just a “cleaning lady,” adding: “There was no support from the hospital. There was more support for Mr. Ikpo than for me. I was a total wreck at work and I cried all the time.”

Mr Ikpo was eventually dismissed from the Isle of Wight NHS Trust after being convicted in June – more than four years after the incident. His victim, whose identity is not known, criticised the trust's decision to keep him working.

The doctor squeezed her bottom for six seconds at St Mary's Hospital on the Isle of Wight (pictured). Portsmouth Crown Court heard that he was initially suspended but was then allowed to work under supervision – including in gynaecology

In a statement read in court by prosecutor Andrew Houston, the victim called Ikpo a “predator.” “I can't stop myself from constantly looking around at work to make sure no one is behind me,” she said.

Hannah Hurley, who presented mitigating circumstances at the sentencing on Friday, urged the judge not to send Ikpo to prison because the incident was “out of character”.

She said Ikpo denied that the incident had “any sexual aspect”. The Honourable Justice William Ashworth said Ikpo's position as a doctor was “a position of great respect and trust” and any sexual assault was a “serious violation”.

He said there was a “power imbalance,” adding: “Nobody is just a cleaner. We are all human. We are all equal.”

Ikpo, from Orpington, south-east London, must complete 100 hours of unpaid work and 30 rehabilitation days. He must also pay £2,500 in court costs and register as a sex offender.