GP struck off over ‘horrific’ controlling relationship with partner he made check in every 15 minutes

A general practitioner has been removed from the medical register following a disciplinary hearing after being found to have engaged in a controlling and coercive relationship with his younger partner. The case, which has drawn attention due to its severity, involves Dr. Walid Ahmed, a GP based in Bournemouth, Dorset, who was previously of good character and had no prior criminal record. He was convicted in 2025 of engaging in abusive behavior toward his partner, Ms. A, and sentenced to three years in prison, though he has yet to serve any portion of his sentence. According to court records, Dr. Ahmed's relationship with Ms. A began under seemingly normal circumstances, but soon escalated into a pattern of control and manipulation. Over the course of nearly a year, he imposed increasingly restrictive measures on her daily life. This included requiring her to send messages every 15 minutes while they were apart, installing tracking software on her mobile device, and limiting her access to social media and personal contacts. He also dictated what she wore, controlled her use of makeup and perfume, and even monitored her activities such as using the restroom or obtaining drinks. When he suspected infidelity, he demanded video calls or photographs to verify her location. The court heard testimony describing how these actions led to severe emotional and psychological harm for Ms. A. She reportedly withdrew from friends and family, lost employment, and experienced a profound loss of autonomy. During the trial, the judge described the case as falling into the highest category of harm, citing the extensive distress and lasting psychological damage inflicted upon Ms. A, as confirmed by her family, friends, and former coworkers. Dr. Ahmed pleaded not guilty to the charges but was ultimately found guilty of engaging in controlling and coercive behavior. His sentence of three years was handed down in October 2025, although he has not returned to the UK and has not begun serving his term. Since December 2020, he has ceased practicing medicine, raising concerns about the potential risks posed by someone with a history of such behavior continuing in the healthcare profession. Following his conviction, the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) reviewed the case and determined that Dr. Ahmed's actions warranted removal from the medical register. The tribunal highlighted the premeditated and abhorrent nature of his conduct, noting that he had not shown any signs of reflection or efforts to mitigate the risk of future misconduct. Sean Ell, chairing the hearing, emphasized that Dr. Ahmed's behavior was predatory and involved isolating Ms. A from her support network, eroding her independence and mental well-being. The tribunal concluded that the risk of recurrence was still significant, particularly given the lack of demonstrated change in Dr. Ahmed's behavior. As a result, the decision was made to strike him off the register, effectively barring him from practicing as a GP in the UK. The ruling underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for stringent oversight in cases involving professionals whose conduct poses a threat to public safety and trust.