A predatory Romford doctor sexually assaulted more than 20 female patients – performing intimate examinations without any need, a court heard. Manish Shah, 50, suggested patients have regular breast and vaginal examinations – when there was no clinical requirement. Jurors at his Old Bailey trial heard how Shah highlighted the need for check-ups for cervical cancer, breast cancer and other serious illnesses by name-dropping celebrities with similar conditions. The court also heard how he was “over familiar” with female patients – making inappropriate comments as well as hugging and kissing them. The disgraced former doctor committed the offences between 2009 and 2013 while he was a GP at the Mawney Medical Centre in Romford. Charges were brought during two trials relating to more than 20 female victims aged in their 20s and 30s. Shah’s offending first came to light in July 2013 when four women made separate allegations that Dr Shah had sexually assaulted them – leading to a police investigation. An examination of his medical notes gave rise to concerns about the medical justification for the examinations he conducted. Shah, of Brunel Close, Romford, was found guilty of nine counts of sexual assault and 16 counts of sexual assault by penetration relating to eight women after a six-week trial at the Old Bailey which concluded on December 3. It can now be reported that Shah was also found guilty of offences of sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by touching in relation to 17 other women at an earlier trial which concluded in December 2018. He will be sentenced for the offences from both trials at the Old Bailey on February 7.