KAREL SIMACEK FROM COWLING STRUCK OFF AFTER CHILD ABUSE CONVICTION

In a significant development within the UK healthcare and criminal justice systems, Karel Simacek, a nurse from Cowling, has been formally removed from the national nursing register following a misconduct hearing. This action comes eight years after he initially qualified as a registered nurse, highlighting the serious nature of his misconduct and the ongoing efforts to protect the public from individuals with a history of criminal behavior.

Simacek, aged 54 and residing at Lane Ends in Cowling, is currently serving a four-year prison sentence at York Crown Court, which was handed down last May. The sentence was the result of convictions related to child abuse, including attempted rape, indecent assault, and indecency with a minor. These crimes were committed over two decades ago, involving a girl aged between eight and 11 at the time of the offenses. Simacek admitted to these charges, acknowledging his misconduct during the court proceedings.

The UK Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting (UKCC) conducted a misconduct hearing following his conviction. The council found Simacek guilty of serious misconduct and subsequently removed him from the professional register. This removal effectively disqualifies him from practicing as a nurse or calling himself a registered healthcare professional. A spokesperson for the UKCC emphasized the importance of such actions, stating, “This demonstrates the UKCC’s determination to ensure that the public is protected from those practitioners who have been convicted of serious crime.”

The hearing also revealed that the victim, now aged 29, came forward with her story only after her own daughter reached the age of seven—the same age she was when the abuse by Simacek began. Detective Constable Robert Moore of North Yorkshire Police explained that it is not uncommon for victims of abuse to come forward many years after the incidents occurred. This delay often stems from the trauma and fear associated with such experiences, making the victim’s courage in revealing her story particularly noteworthy.

Details of the case indicated that Simacek was working at the time in his father’s business, which supplied salad vegetables to cafes and delicatessens. The victim was introduced to him by her playmate, which led to the ongoing abuse. Detective Constable Moore described the abuse as occurring on a daily basis from the ages of seven to 11, a period during which the victim endured repeated violations.

At the time of his arrest, Simacek was not actively practicing as a nurse. However, records show that he had been registered with a nursing agency based in Leeds. His arrest and subsequent conviction have not only led to his imprisonment but also to the loss of his professional standing, reflecting the serious consequences of his actions and the commitment of authorities to uphold standards of safety and integrity within the healthcare profession.