A pharmacist who sexually assaulted a teenager has been jailed for eight months and placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

Satwant Popley, 26, escorted a 17-year-old girl into a consultation room at Teddington Hospital’s Lloyds Pharmacy after she came in to obtain some prescription medicine and sexually assaulted her on July 19 last year.

The girl reported the incident to police when she returned home and Popley, of Lady Margaret Road in Southall, was arrested the same day.

Popley initially denied the offence but pleaded guilty at Kingston Crown Court. He was sentenced on Monday, August 3.

Detective constable Kieran Fenech, from Richmond Community Safety Unit, said: "This was a very distressing and delicate case for the victim and her family.

"This man worked as a pharmacist and took advantage of this girl when she was seeking help from him as a professional and trustworthy member of the community.

"He initially denied the allegation and the police conducted a lengthy investigation starting in July 2014. This culminated in a successful prosecution given the weight of evidence we managed to obtain.

"I am happy that justice has been served for this victim and that she can now move on with her life. As a result Popley will not be in a position to abuse other young females thanks to the ongoing strength and determination of the victim and her family."

A spokeswoman for Lloyds Pharmacy confirmed an employee had been convicted of a serious offence at one of its pharmacies in Teddington.

She said: "The incident was dealt with promptly using existing and established safeguarding processes within our pharmacies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues, customers and patients."