An NHS radiographer has been permanently struck off the professional register after being caught sending sexually explicit messages to what he believed was a 12-year-old girl. The individual, identified as Vinod Ramachandran, 42, was in fact communicating with a group of adult vigilantes posing as a child online, who later exposed his actions to the police.
The Case
Ramachandran, a father of three employed as a radiographer in Ipswich, began messaging a Facebook account under a false name. The account was operated by so-called “paedophile hunters” who used the alias Lily Jones to pose as a schoolgirl. Over time, his conversations moved to WhatsApp, where they became increasingly sexual.
He described the supposed child as having “a sexy figure” and made disturbing comments about her body. He also gave instructions on how to watch pornography and arranged to meet her outside a secondary school in Norwich.
When Ramachandran arrived at the agreed location, carrying chocolate bars intended for the girl, he was confronted by the vigilante group and subsequently arrested by Norfolk Constabulary.
Tribunal and Sentencing
The Health and Care Professions Tribunal Service (HCPTS) ruled that Ramachandran’s conduct was “fundamentally incompatible” with continued registration. His name has now been removed from the professional register, permanently barring him from working as a radiographer in the NHS.
At Norwich Crown Court, Ramachandran was sentenced to two years in prison. The court heard that he had begged the supposed child not to inform the police, acknowledging the seriousness of his actions with the chilling remark: “You’re 12 – I’ll be screwed if someone finds out we are together.”
Public and Professional Reaction
The case has sparked widespread condemnation. Child protection advocates have stressed the dangers of online grooming and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding children. The NHS has confirmed that Ramachandran will never be permitted to return to his role, citing the need to protect patients and uphold public trust.
Ethical and Legal Implications
While the use of vigilante groups in exposing suspected offenders remains controversial, the tribunal emphasised that Ramachandran’s own admissions and actions left no doubt about his intentions. His removal from the register underscores the zero-tolerance stance taken by professional regulators toward sexual misconduct and exploitation.
Conclusion
This case highlights the ongoing risks posed by online grooming and the critical role of law enforcement and professional bodies in protecting vulnerable individuals. Ramachandran’s conviction and removal from the NHS serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of predatory behaviour.