Consultant jailed for throwing baby to floor
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| Consultant jailed for throwing baby
to floor by Paul Whitehouse 17 January 2006 Source: Yorkshire Post 'A HOSPITAL consultant was jailed yesterday for an attack on a baby which could have left her brain-damaged' Dr Tarek Saba was jailed for 18 months after he pleaded guilty to assault causing grievous bodily harm on the baby girl. Saba is a consultant physician employed by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. He normally works at the city's Royal Hallamshire Hospital, where he specialises in breathing problems. A trust spokeswoman last night confirmed that officials were considering his future as a result of the case, which was heard by a judge at Sheffield Crown Court. The General Medical Council, the body which controls medics working in this country, has also been in touch with South Yorkshire Police about the case. Saba, of Brincliffe Edge Road, Nether Edge, Sheffield, was investigated by police following an incident where he threw the infant through the air. He had apparently become frustrated because of the child's persistent crying and attempted to throw her several feet across a room on to a beanbag to shock her into silence, an action later described by police as a "moment of madness". His attempt went wrong, however, and the girl landed on a wooden floor, striking her head hard enough to fracture her skull and cause a brain haemorrhage. Because of her age, doctors have so far been unable to establish whether the injury has caused any brain damage. Judge Robert Moore was told the injuries were not life-threatening, however, before he passed sentence. When seen by investigators, Saba made a full confession and co-operated throughout the inquiry. Det Con Steve Ashmore, one of the investigating officers, said: "The GMC are already looking into it. "It is a very sad case, he is eminent in his field. "It is a struggle to find the words to describe it. I suppose it was a moment of madness. "He tried to startle the child to stop her crying and threw her towards a beanbag, but missed. "She has made a good recovery so far but we will not know until she is old enough to respond to certain tests whether there is any brain damage," he added. After the child was taken to hospital, social services were called in because of the injuries she had sustained and those officials asked police to investigate. Before taking up his post in Sheffield around a year ago, Saba had worked at hospitals across the country including posts in Manchester and Newcastle. Det Con Ashmore added: "Dr Saba had been working in Sheffield for a year but was very well respected and had practised all over the country for years, including Manchester and Newcastle." Following the hearing a health trust spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that Dr Tarek Saba is an employee of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and consideration is now being given to his future through formal internal processes in light of the court's decision." 17 January 2006 comment: Our Correspondent At first sight I can well understand most readers looking to put the boot in to Dr. Saba. And I do not blame them or criticise them. But....Think for a moment....Many persons lose their tempers, we could all do it, and could in a moment of madness do something, that on reflection, is deeply regretted. One needs to keep this in mind when coming to a judgement on Dr. Saba |
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