An alleged unlicensed surgeon appeared in court today accused of running a mobile circumcision service to perform ‘ritual’ operations on dozens of Muslim and Christian children as young as two days old, a court has heard.
Mohammad Siddiqui, 54, allegedly carried out the procedures without a licence across the West Midlands between 2015 and 2019, causing unnecessary pain and suffering.
Siddiqui is said to have provided the boys a prescription-only anaesthetic despite not being an appropriate practitioner, and sometimes used creams instead, causing the boys unnecessary pain.
He allegedly used a technique called the ‘plastibell procedure’ not suitable for children under the age of 12.
Mohammad Siddiqui, 54, (pictured outside Southwark Crown Court today) allegedly performed unlicensed circumcisions on children in their homes across the West Midlands between 2015 and 2019
Siddiqui did not carry resuscitation equipment in the event of a serious incident or an adverse reaction, it was claimed.
On one occasion, a 15-year-old boy was reportedly rushed to hospital after suffering from an adverse reaction following his circumcision.
Stephen Hopper, prosecuting, earlier, said: ‘This defendant operated a mobile non-therapeutic circumcision service.
Siddiqui is said to have provided the boys a prescription-only anaesthetic despite not being an appropriate practitioner, and sometimes used creams instead, causing the boys unnecessary pain
‘It was sometimes a ritual circumcision on children, the procedure was carried out in their homes.
‘He continued to carry out procedures that were so unsanitary and so far removed from normal practice that in some occasions were cruel.
‘The circumcisions were carried out in an unnecessary painful way.
‘Once Mr Siddiqui had abandoned the use of Bupivacaine Hydrochloride which he did, he used a cream, which was not considered suitable for that procedure and led to unnecessary pain and suffering on behalf of the children.
‘He often carried out multiple procedures in the same day, he travelled considerable distances throughout the day, often not allowing enough time to carry out the procedures.’
On one occasion, a 15-year-old boy was reportedly rushed to hospital after suffering from an adverse reaction following his circumcision
Bearded Siddiqui stood in the dock in a navy suit and spoke to explain he had not found legal representation due to Covid-19 and the Christmas break.
He requested his trial be moved to Birmingham, near his home, due to the latest Coronavirus lockodwn but Judge Sally Cahill, QC, said the case will stay at Southwark Crown Court.
Siddiqui came to court prepared to represent himself, as he was not able to find a solicitor in Birmingham before the hearing due to Covid-19 and the Christmas holidays.
Siddiqui, of Anchor Crescent, Winston Green, Birmingham, faces 39 charges including assault occasioning actual bodily harm; parenterally administering, other than to self, a prescription only medicine, when not an appropriate practitioner; and child cruelty.
Judge Cahill granted Siddiqui conditional bail and adjourned his plea and trial preparation hearing until 28 January.
Siddiqui, of Anchor Crescent, Winston Green, Birmingham, faces 39 charges including assault occasioning actual bodily harm; parenterally administering, other than to self, a prescription only medicine, when not an appropriate practitioner; and child cruelty.
He was bailed on condition that he does not contact prosecution witnesses, remains at his home in Anchor Crescent, Birmingham, does not leave the UK or apply for international travel documents, and does not perform any operations, such as circumcisions.