Former Regina doctor found not guilty of sexual assault

A former Regina doctor who was charged with sexually assaulting five women who were his patients has been found not guilty.

Sylvester Ukabam, 76, heard the decision during an appearance in Regina Court of Queen’s Bench on Wednesday.

During a trial that began Jan. 10 and wrapped up Feb. 3, the five women testified they were sexually assaulted by Ukabam during medical exams he did as a gastroenterologist.

He had pleaded not guilty to all seven charges he faced.

In a written decision issued Wednesday, Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Brian Scherman said it’s possible four of the women were mistaken about what the doctor did during their exams.

Scherman determined the fifth woman received a chest exam, not a breast exam as she alleged.

After the verdict was announced, Ukabam told reporters he feels vindicated.

“The past five years have been devastating, but I think God that it is all over,” he said outside the courthouse.

Ukabam was arrested in November of 2018 and charged with four counts of sexual assault. A fifth charge was filed against him in March of 2019.

The incidents that led to the charges occurred between 2010 and 2017. Ukabam surrendered his medical licence in 2018.

— With files from The Canadian Press