PATIENTS place an enormous amount of trust and faith in their family doctor. In return, GPs are rewarded with a substantial wage and level of respect which reflect their status in the community.

Thankfully, it is rare for doctors to betray that trust. Those who do should be punished appropriately.

Syed Amjad Husain is a disgrace to his profession and his patients.

Secretly to film young girls and women undergoing intimate examinations is a sordid crime.

After hearing evidence of indecent assaults of five patients, including a girl of seven and a woman aged 74, it was no surprise to hear the judge use words such as "disgraceful" and "nauseating".

Husain was indeed guilty of the most despicable and depraved offences.

It is a matter of immense regret that, in imposing a prison sentence of only three-and-a-half years, our system of justice does not reflect society's revulsion at what he has done.

The shadow of Iraq

IT is abundantly clear that the terrorists in Iraq will do their utmost to derail the establishment of peace and security in the country.

But Tony Blair and President Bush have no alternative but to respond to Izzadine Saleem's assassination by pledging to stick with their plans to hand over sovereignty on June 30.

To amend the timetable at this late stage would spell victory to the violent minority intent on undermining the process.

Nevertheless, with each terrorist outrage, the early withdrawal of Coalition forces appears to be an increasingly remote possibility.

The likelihood is that British forces will remain in Iraq in large numbers by the time the General Election comes around.

Such a long-term commitment is bound to cast a shadow over Mr Blair and his government when the country goes to the polls.