Psychiatrist Prabakar Rajan Thomas Sentenced to 14 Mos Jail for Sexual Assault of Patient

March 29, 2019

A vulnerable Melbourne woman struggling with her mental health sought help from a psychiatrist but instead became his sexual prey.

Prabakar Rajan Thomas, 69, was jailed on Friday after admitting sexually assaulting his patient of four years.

"I was in a really, bad, bad stage and he just took advantage of it," Jodie Fischer said outside court, adding she was pleased with the sentence.

"I can't even explain the excitement I feel, I'm rapt."

Ms Fischer was first referred to Thomas for treatment of bipolar in 2011 and started regular appointments, but two years later the sessions changed.

She discussed the effect the medication was having, and Thomas began asking unnecessary questions about her masturbation habits.

"I never really realised how bad it was until now," she said.

Thomas also showed her "graphic pornographic material" and called her sexy when she complained of weight gain caused by medication.

She complained to staff about Thomas' "sleazy" behaviour but had to make another appointment to get her script filled.

It was at this appointment in November 2015 she was assaulted.

The psychiatrist put his hands in her bra and exposed her breasts and told the woman to masturbate for him, touching her over her clothes.

She reported the attack to police and the medical board but two days later attempted to take her own life.

The attack left her feeling ashamed, but she said she received support from her family, police and prosecutors.

"My main thing was to get his name and his face out there, I do want other people to become strong enough to stand up for themselves to do what they need to do to get justice."

County Court Judge Liz Gaynor slammed the psychiatrist's behaviour, noting he was aware of her fragility.

"I am perfectly satisfied that the consequences of your offending have greatly exasperated the victim's mental difficulties," Judge Gaynor told Thomas.

"Unfortunately as is often the case the victim has blamed, hated and loathed herself for your offending."

An immediate term of imprisonment was warranted because of the enormous breach of trust and the seriousness of the offending, she added.

The psychiatrist was barred from treating female patients after Ms Fischer's complaint and three years later surrendered his licence.

He will never practise again, the court was told.

Thomas was sentenced to serve two years in jail, and must spend at least 14 months behind bars before being eligible for release on parole.

Source: “'I'm rapt': Patient pleased after 'sleazy' psychiatrist gets 14 months,” The Age, March 29, 2019, URL: https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/sleazy-psychiatrist-gets-14-months-for-sex-assault-on-female-patient-20190329-p518wc.html