Anthony Haycroft successfully defends doctor on “rape” allegation
26th November 2015
Anthony Haycroft successfully represented a Scottish orthopaedic surgeon in a 9-day Fitness to Practise hearing in Manchester, in respect of an allegation of rape of a medical student at a private party. The doctor was not prosecuted by the Scottish authorities where the criminal rules of evidence are different from those in England. The GMC decided to bring FTP proceedings.
The case was legally complex: there were issues as to whether to bring judicial review proceedings in Scotland and also concerning previous allegations of rape made by the complainant in Scotland. The defence successfully applied for relevant disclosure and then permission to question her about the previous incidents.
The Panel acceded to Mr Haycroft’s submission that a “heightened examination of the facts” was called for and that upon such exercise “cogent evidence” of proof was lacking. None of the charges were found proved.
Anthony Haycroft was instructed by Douglas Jessiman and Ms Lindsay MacNeill of BTO solicitors, Glasgow supported by the Medical Defence Union.
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