Andrew Hockton successfully defends eminent consultant psychiatrist at Medical Practitioners Tribunal
7th May 2021
Professor T [PT], a distinguished and long-serving consultant psychiatrist, was cleared of an allegation of dishonesty at a hearing before the Medical Practitioners Tribunal [MPT] which concluded on 7th May 2021. PT had given evidence as a factual witness in a trademark dispute in the High Court between his Trust and a third party. In her judgment, the judge, sitting as a judge of the High Court, made findings that PT had been dishonest in relation to aspects of the evidence he gave to the court. In light of the judicial criticism, PT referred himself to the GMC.
The tribunal found that PT had not been dishonest in giving his evidence. PT’s account had been honestly given and was supported by extensive and persuasive evidence, adduced on his behalf at the hearing before the MPT [which had not been before the court]. The tribunal further observed that it had not been alleged by counsel for the claimant at trial that PT had lied and that PT had not been afforded an opportunity, at trial, to defend himself against any imputation of dishonesty. All the facts alleged against PT at the hearing before the MPT were found not proved, and the chair observed that PT left the hearing with his good name and reputation intact.
Professor T was represented by Andrew Hockton, instructed by Leigh Taylor of the Medical Protection Society.
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