Former DGH doctor found guilty of abusing young boys at hospital

Sivaguru Narendran, known as Dr John Narendran, 78, of Sackville Road, Hailsham was charged with 17 counts of indecent assault while working at The Horder Centre, Crowborough and Eastbourne District General Hospital more than 20 years ago, said police.

Narendran appeared at Lewes Crown Court, which sat at Brighton, for an eight-day trial.

Police said during the trial it was established the earliest offence was 1987 and the counts were amended to be 13 counts of indecent assault and one count of buggery. He was found guilty of 13 counts of indecent assault and not guilty of the count of buggery.

All the victims were young boys who came into contact with Narendran whist he was working as a doctor at the two hospitals between these dates, said police.

Narendran will be sentenced at Lewes Crown Court sitting at Brighton on Friday (December 14).

Detective Constable Tina Baptista said, “These men have bravely come forward to report the abuse they had suffered at the hands of a man who they should have been able to trust.

“Narendran preyed on these vulnerable young men after gaining their confidence and then sexually assaulted them. They lived with this for years before making the step to report it and I commend them for making this decision.”

Detective Constable Katy Hartley added, “I hope this guilty verdict helps the victims gain some closure on what happened to them and shows others we will take these reports very seriously and will do everything we can to bring those responsible to justice.”

Anyone who wishes to speak to police about non-recent sexual offences can do so in confidence by calling 101.