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 other women at a care home in North Lanarkshire, Scotland. The 47-year-old from Kerala admitted to the crimes in October 2025, and a Glasgow high court handed down the punishment on December 9, 2025, after he fled to India to avoid trial but was later extradited.
Details of the Crimes
Paul worked as a manager at the care home when the incidents happened in 2018. He targeted vulnerable colleagues, using his position of power to threaten one woman with job loss if she did not comply with his demands.
Court records show he raped a 26-year-old woman after forcing her into a private area of the facility. He also sexually assaulted two other young women on separate occasions, creating a pattern of abuse that lasted over several months.
Prosecutors described the acts as calculated and predatory. The victims reported feeling trapped and fearful, with one stating she froze during the attack due to shock and intimidation.
Investigators noted that Paul tried to blame the victims during initial questioning, a tactic that drew sharp criticism from the judge.
Timeline of Events and Extradition
The case began when complaints surfaced in 2018, leading to Paul’s arrest and charges. He was set for trial in December 2019, but he fled to Kochi, India, claiming a family illness.
Authorities in Scotland worked with Indian officials to track him down. In February 2025, he was arrested in Kerala and extradited back to the UK after a lengthy legal process.
Here is a timeline of key events:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2018 | Crimes occur at North Lanarkshire care home |
| December 2019 | Paul flees to India before trial |
| February 2025 | Arrested in Kochi, Kerala |
| October 2025 | Admits guilt in court |
| December 9, 2025 | Sentenced to 7 years and 9 months |
This extradition highlights growing cooperation between UK and Indian law enforcement on international fugitives.
Paul remained in custody after his return and showed no remorse in early hearings, according to court observers.
Sentencing and Court Reactions
At the Glasgow high court, Judge Lord Clark called the offenses depraved and a gross abuse of trust. Paul received seven years and nine months behind bars, plus two years of supervision after release.
He will also be placed on the sex offenders register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring. The sentence reflects Scotland’s guidelines for such crimes, where average time served for rape is under six years, but this case drew a longer term due to multiple victims.
Victims expressed relief in statements read in court. One said the process helped her reclaim some control after years of trauma.
Public reactions on social media have been strong, with many calling for stricter penalties in workplace assault cases.
Broader Impact on Care Homes and Society
This case sheds light on vulnerabilities in care home settings, where staff often work in isolated environments. Experts point to a need for better training and reporting systems to prevent abuse.
In Scotland, sexual assault reports in workplaces have risen by 15 percent since 2020, based on recent police data. Similar incidents in other UK regions, like a 2024 case in England involving a hospital worker, show this is not isolated.
Advocacy groups urge reforms, including anonymous hotlines and mandatory background checks for managers.
On a global scale, Paul’s extradition from India underscores challenges in cross-border justice, especially for crimes against women. It ties into ongoing discussions about migrant workers’ rights and accountability in foreign countries.
What This Means for Victims and Prevention
For victims of workplace assault, this outcome offers a path to justice but also highlights the emotional toll of long trials. Support services in Scotland, such as Rape Crisis Scotland, have seen increased calls following high-profile cases like this.
Prevention efforts could include:
- Regular staff training on consent and boundaries
- Clear policies for reporting without fear of retaliation
- Enhanced security measures in care facilities
Communities are pushing for cultural changes to address power imbalances that enable such crimes.
As this story unfolds, readers can stay informed by following updates on similar cases. Share your thoughts in the comments below or spread the word to raise awareness about workplace safety.
