Great Barr hypnotherapist charged with dealing Diazepam from Life Principles clinic
A hypnotherapist has been charged with dealing the sedative drug Diazepam from his home-run practice in Great Barr.
Shokat Ali, aged 61, is accused of supplying the Class C drug to patients during hypnotherapy sessions at his Life Principles clinic on Foxwood Avenue.
Diazepam is a sedative drug which can become addictive if taken for longer than four weeks. It is regularly prescribed as a short-term treatment for anxiety.
Ali, who runs Life Principles with his wife Nasreen Ali, has also been charged with two counts of possession of Class A and two counts of possession of Class C drugs.
If convicted, the hypnotherapist could face up to 14 years in jail for supplying Diazepam and up to seven years behind bars for possession of a Class A drug.
The maximum sentence for possession of Class C drugs is two years in prison.
Pc David Tenn from Walsall Police Station urged any concerned Life Principles clients to come forward.
He said: "We are aware that Mr Ali has a nationwide client base and we are keen to speak to anyone who has concerns about the treatment they have received at Life Principles.
"We want to stress that anybody who comes forward will not be in any trouble."
Ali has been released on bail and will appear at Walsall and Aldridge Magistrates Court on June 14.
If you have received treatment at Life Principles and have any concerns, call the Investigation Team at Walsall Police on 101.
