TAUQEER AZAM SHOCKS GLASGOW AND EDINBURGH WITH SEXUAL ASSAULTS AT PHARMACIES
On 16 January 2025, Tauqeer Azam was found guilty of two serious charges following a trial held before a jury at Glasgow Sheriff Court.The 41-year-old, who hails from Glasgow, was involved in two separate incidents of sexual assault that took place in different pharmacy settings, highlighting a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior.
Azam’s first known offense occurred in May 2021 while he was working at the Boots Pharmacy located within the Gyle Shopping Centre in Edinburgh.
During this incident, a young woman visited the pharmacy seeking medical help after noticing a rash on her leg.
She was taken into a private consultation room, a space that was supposed to be a safe environment for patients.
However, the court heard that there was no chaperone or second witness present during the consultation, which allowed Azam to exploit the situation.
According to court proceedings, Azam requested to see the woman’s legs after she had partially removed her trousers.
It was during this private examination that Azam made inappropriate remarks of a sexual nature, which left the young woman feeling 'scared and vulnerable.' The incident was a clear breach of trust and professionalism, and it caused significant distress to the victim.
The second conviction involved a separate incident in 2023, when Azam was working at Well Pharmacy on Nitshill Road in Glasgow.
In this case, a female patient had come to the pharmacy seeking treatment for a rash.
Similar to the first incident, she was taken into a private consultation room without a chaperone present.
During this private session, Azam again sexually assaulted the woman and made inappropriate sexual remarks, actions that left her feeling 'violently sick.' Following these incidents, Azam was brought to justice.
On 13 February 2025, he appeared before Glasgow Sheriff Court, where he was sentenced to two years in prison.
Additionally, his name has been entered onto the sex offenders register for a period of ten years, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.
Fraser Gibson, the Procurator Fiscal for Glasgow and Strathkelvin, issued a statement condemning Azam’s actions.
He described Azam as a 'predatory individual who exploited a position of trust.' Gibson emphasized that the victims’ bravery in reporting these crimes was crucial in securing the convictions.
He stated, “These two women should have been safe when seeking medical treatment but were instead sexually abused and assaulted.
This prosecution and conviction were only possible because of their courage in reporting their experiences to the police and giving evidence.” Gibson also urged others who might have experienced similar offenses to come forward.
“You will be listened to and supported as we seek to secure justice using all the tools at our disposal,” he added, reaffirming the commitment of law enforcement to protect vulnerable individuals from such predatory behavior.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding patients and maintaining professional standards within healthcare environments, especially in trusted settings like pharmacies.
