A British Indian nurse named Naijil Paul has been sentenced to seven years and nine months in prison for raping a colleague and sexually assaulting two others at a care home in Scotland. The 47-year-old from Kerala fled to India before his trial but was extradited back this year and pleaded guilty in court.
Details of the Crimes
Paul worked as a manager at a care home in North Lanarkshire when the incidents happened over seven years ago. He targeted vulnerable women who worked with him.
Court records show he raped a 26-year-old colleague after threatening her job. She had returned from sick leave and faced money troubles. Paul told her she could lose her position due to time off and forced her to comply to keep her job.
He also assaulted a 19-year-old care assistant by trying to kiss her and placing his hands on her hips without consent. In another case, he touched a 21-year-old care assistant inappropriately and said he could tell she wanted it from her body language.
These acts showed a pattern of abuse of power in a workplace meant to protect people.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
The case unfolded at the High Court in Glasgow. Paul was charged in 2018 but skipped his 2019 trial by going to Kochi, claiming a family emergency.
Authorities arrested him in India in February 2025 and extradited him from Delhi to Scotland in June. He entered guilty pleas in October.
During sentencing on December 8, 2025, Justice Lord Renucci highlighted the predatory nature of the crimes. The judge noted Paul’s version of events did not match what he admitted and pointed out his victim blaming in a pre-sentencing report.
Paul claimed he thought he was doing one victim a favor, which raised concerns about his risk of reoffending. His sentence includes supervision for two more years after release, lifetime placement on the sex offenders register, and a ban from contacting the victims.
Here is a summary of key sentencing details:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Prison Term | 7 years and 9 months |
| Additional Supervision | 2 years post-release |
| Other Penalties | Lifetime sex offenders register; No contact with victims |
| Original Possible Sentence | Reduced from 8 years due to guilty plea |
Extradition and International Cooperation
Paul’s flight to India delayed justice for years. His arrest and extradition involved cooperation between UK and Indian authorities.
This case marks a success in international efforts to bring fugitives back for trial. Similar recent cases include other offenders extradited from India for crimes in the UK, showing stronger ties in law enforcement.
In 2025, the UK has seen a rise in extraditions for sexual offense cases, with at least five high-profile returns from abroad. This trend reflects better global policing against cross-border escapes.
Impact on Victims and Society
The victims suffered lasting harm from Paul’s actions. The raped woman dealt with fear and job pressure, while the others faced unwanted advances in a trusted setting.
Support groups have praised the sentencing as a step toward justice but call for better workplace protections in care homes. Recent surveys in 2025 show that one in five UK care workers report harassment, pushing for new training programs.
Public reaction has been strong, with calls for stricter hiring checks in healthcare. This case ties into broader discussions on migrant workers in the NHS and care sectors, where most staff are dedicated but rare abuses highlight risks.
Key impacts include:
- Emotional trauma for victims, leading to therapy needs.
- Push for policy changes in care home management.
- Increased awareness of power dynamics in workplaces.
Broader Context in UK Crime Trends
Sexual assault cases in UK care settings have risen by 15 percent in the last five years, according to 2025 police data. This incident adds to concerns about vulnerable environments.
Similar stories in 2025 involve healthcare workers abusing positions, like a hospital staffer in Whiston who assaulted a patient. These events spark debates on vetting and reporting systems.
Experts suggest mandatory background checks and anonymous reporting tools could help. The government has proposed new laws to strengthen safeguards in response.
As this story develops, share your thoughts in the comments or on social media. What changes do you think could prevent such crimes?
