Judge tells Dr Maxman Tembo he caused victims ‘untold psychological damage’ before suspending prison sentence
A Merseyside doctor has escaped with a suspended jail sentence after being convicted of two counts of sexual assault.
Dr Maxman Tembo targeted his victims despite knowing they were vulnerable and one was suffering from depression.
Maxman Tembo pleaded not guilty to the charges, saying he was a “committed Christian.”
But the married doctor, who is currently suspended from Everton Road Health Centre, was found guilty on both counts following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court.
Tembo, who previously worked in medical centres in Aintree and Newton-Le-Willows, was spared an immediate 15-month prison sentence in light of previous good behaviour, with the doctor, of Marigold Way, St Helens, instead given 12 months’ supervision, 150 hours of unpaid work and a four-month home curfew.
In a scathing closing statement, Judge Clement Goldstone said the 49-year-old had caused one of his victims, a woman with depression, “untold psychological damage”.
He added: “It seems to me you targeted both of them precisely because of their age.
“You had no thought whatsoever for their well-being. All you thought of was your own sexual gratification.
“Despite your denials, I’m quite sure you were attracted to those girls because of their young age.”
“It’s reasonable to assume I hope that this defendant will not be practising as a doctor again.”
Mr Linskill said it was highly unlikely, certainly not in this country, adding: “That in itself is a very serious punishment.”
Judge Goldstone said: “You have thrown away your career. You have thrown away your good character. You have thrown away your reputation.”
Judge Goldstone said Tembo, an intelligent man who had been a kind and caring doctor, must sign on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.
He added: “You are entirely the author of your own misfortune.”
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Mahon from Merseyside Police said: “The victims in this case have shown immense courage in coming forward and telling officers what happened. They have placed their trust in the police and other agencies who support victims and their information and evidence has been crucial in securing his conviction.
“Tembo was in a position of trust as a GP, but clearly abused and manipulated his position and continued to deny he had done anything wrong, showing no remorse for his actions throughout the trial.
“Time should never be a barrier to obtaining justice and I hope this case gives other victims of sexual assault out there, the courage to come forward and tell someone, so they can be helped. As we have shown today, we will take action and we hope that Tembo’s victims have some sense of justice and closure.
“Merseyside Police takes every report of sexual offence seriously and anyone wishing to report a sexual offence should get in contact. Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
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