In a court case at Southwark Crown Court, details emerged of a former doctor’s “cruel” mobile circumcision service, where he caused children “unnecessary pain and suffering” by using a rusty medical instrument and inadequate pain relief during procedures. Mohammad Siddiqui, 58, began visiting homes by appointment to carry out circumcisions while still a practising doctor, the court heard. Despite being suspended and later struck off by the General Medical Council (GMC), Siddiqui continued his services aiming to maximise profits by performing the procedures quickly, according to prosecutor Ben Douglas-Jones KC.
During Siddiqui’s arrest, police discovered various medical instruments in his car, including one with signs of rust and skin residue on it. Additionally, the court learned that his instruments were not properly sterilised after testing. Siddiqui was found to have used a questionable “circumcision immobiliser” in his practice, considered unacceptable in NHS standards. While Siddiqui sometimes employed anaesthetic cream, he often proceeded with procedures shortly after administering it, causing further concern.
Siddiqui, who specialised in circumcisions, admitted to carrying out 1,200 to 1,500 procedures from 2012 onwards in his police interview. Denying 39 charges including actual bodily harm, child cruelty, and illegally administering prescription medicine between 2014 and 2019, Siddiqui faced allegations from 23 complainants. Despite his request to address the jury in court, Judge Noel Lucas KC dismissed the plea, instructing Siddiqui that he had no current right to do so.
Throughout the ongoing trial, Siddiqui has been accompanied by a prison guard and carried his documents in a cardboard box. The case against him includes serious accusations of disregarding proper medical protocols, causing harm to children, and operating in a manner that endangered the well-being of his patients. The trial continues as further evidence is presented and testimonies are heard from those affected by Siddiqui’s actions.