Surgeon denies accessing abuse images saying he became medic to protect children

A surgeon currently on trial at Swansea Crown Court, Dr. Raed Al-Mobayed, has denied allegations of looking at child sex abuse images online or putting them on a laptop. He claimed that he chose to pursue a career in medicine to protect children. Al-Mobayed is facing charges of possession of indecent images and extreme pornographic images. The court heard that the images were discovered on his old laptop in December 2018 after his ex-partner found it in the attic. The prosecution argues that the defendant either downloaded the images from the internet or transferred them from a USB memory stick.

During his testimony, Al-Mobayed recounted his upbringing in Gaza, Palestine, and his journey to becoming a doctor in the UK. He explained that he used his laptop for work-related tasks, such as preparing presentations, and often left it unattended in the doctors’ mess at Prince Charles Hospital where he worked. The defendant admitted to occasionally viewing adult pornography but vehemently denied any interest in child pornography. When questioned about computer security measures taken during the period in question, Al-Mobayed stated that he did not have personal information on the laptop and did not consider security a priority at the time.

The prosecution raised concerns about the extensive searches for pornography on the laptop, specifically targeting young women and girls. They questioned the defendant about the timing of an indecent image being viewed shortly after his iPhone was backed up on the laptop. Al-Mobayed maintained that he was not responsible for the images or the browsing history found on the device. The defendant also refuted accusations of accessing escort agency websites on the laptop.

Al-Mobayed, 46, residing in Pontyates, Carmarthenshire, has pleaded not guilty to possession of indecent images and extreme pornography. The trial is ongoing, with further testimonies and evidence to be presented. Judge Paul Hobson and legal representatives continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the indecent images found on the defendant’s laptop. The court will determine the outcome of the case based on the evidence and testimonies provided.

The trial has garnered significant attention due to the nature of the charges and the defendant’s profession as a surgeon. The proceedings at Swansea Crown Court will delve deeper into the allegations and involve expert testimonies and forensic evidence analysis. As the case unfolds, more details are expected to emerge regarding the origin and presence of the indecent images on the defendant’s laptop. The outcome of the trial will have implications for both the accused and the broader medical community.

In conclusion, Dr. Raed Al-Mobayed maintains his innocence and asserts that his career choice was driven by a desire to protect children. The court proceedings will seek to establish the truth behind the allegations and determine the culpability of the defendant. The case highlights the importance of thorough investigations and due process in cases involving sensitive and serious charges.