The victim Stephen Doohan, a 33-year-old paramedic and clinical team leader at the Scottish ambulance service was given 10 years and 6 month imprisonment. He was found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman after he secretly gave her an abortion drug while they were having sex. The series of events that led to his death were compounded by 48 hours of events that started on March 17, 2021 at Doohan’s apartment in Edinburgh.
Doohan, who was still married at the time, fell in a love with the woman after a chance encounter while on holiday in Spain. In some ways, the two had a classic long-distance relationship though their story took especially frightening turns. On March 17, under the guise of a consensual encounter, Doohan took it upon himself to insert the abortion medication into the woman’s vagina without her consent. The next day, when she reported white discharge, he demanded to inspect her underwear.
On March 14, a full week before the stabbing took place, Doohan was already vigorously scouring his workplace’s intranet. …he was just looking for information about abortion drugs. He had lied to the woman—she said she wanted his sperm donor—not wanting children. Soon after she learned that she was pregnant.
After the May 2023 incident, whilst riding with Doohan, the woman reported the assault to the Scottish ambulance service, which led to an investigation into Doohan’s behavior. He eventually pled guilty to multiple counts. These involved forcible rape and unlawful distribution of a controlled substance with the purpose of aborting her pregnancy.
During the sentencing, Lord Justice Colbeck specifically called out the drastic psychological effect Doohan’s assault had on the young victim.
“You put her through considerable pain over a number of days, and left her facing a lifetime of pain and loss.” – Lord Justice Colbeck
The court was further informed that the woman became so sedated with diazepam that she slipped into a coma. During this time, Doohan inappropriately touched her.
“She felt something hard being inserted into her vagina and believed this was a sex toy.” – The judge
While the particulars of the case have shocked many, pointing to a lack of consent and obligation to do no harm by healthcare professionals, Mark Stewart KC, representing Doohan, said his client deeply regretted the incident.
“She took some diazepam and went into a deep sleep, and felt you initiating sexual contact.” – The judge
The case has raised serious concerns regarding consent and the responsibilities of healthcare professionals. Mark Stewart KC, representing Doohan, expressed regret on behalf of his client.
“I express Mr Doohan’s deep sorrow and regret for the actions he is now in the court charged with.” – Mark Stewart KC