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A dispensing optician charged by Scotland Yard last month for allegedly trafficking an Indian woman has been given an 18 month suspension by a General Optical Council fitness to practise committee.

Shashi Obhrai faces allegations over human trafficking, unlawful imprisonment, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault, said the committee. She will stand trial along with five others at Southark Crown Court in October (News 22.06.11).

The committee said it was satisfied, given the very serious nature of the allegations, that an interim suspension order was necessary for the protection of the public and the reputation of the profession. It added that it was satisfied there was a real risk of repetition in this case.

The decision was not opposed by the registrant's legal representative and took immediate effect.