PSYCHOLOGIST CLEARED OF CHARGES
Dr Neil McQuire, 59 year old Consultant Chartered Psychologist of Clay Lane, Norden, Rochdale, has been cleared of all charges following allegations of rape made by a former patient. The patient had claimed that Dr McQuire had raped her in his office on a weekly basis on five occasions.
Although Dr McQuire has strenuously denied these allegations throughout, he was charged in February 2010 and was due to appear at Bolton Crown Court for trial in due course. However, at a Court hearing on September 24th the Crown Prosecution Service concluded that there was no case to answer and that they would be offering no evidence against Dr McQuire.
His Honour Judge Everett recorded a verdict of not guilty and commented that in his opinion no prosecution should have been brought against Dr McQuire. He told Dr McQuire “You are free to leave this Court without a stain on your character”.
Dr McQuire stated: “Throughout this ordeal I have been able to continue to work with total professionalism and with respect for my clients. I no longer provide a therapy service as I am now engaged solely in my role as an Expert Witness. I have continued to be registered with my professional body the BPS, who have indeed been very supportive towards me. I will at all times continue to work in a caring, professional and ethical way with my clients”.
Health Professions Council Hearing (26/11/10)
Extract
The Panel took account of the HPC practise note on Interim Orders, which states that the Panel may have regard to the overall strength of the evidence, whether the allegation is serious and credible and the likelihood of harm or further harm occurring if an Interim order is not made. The Panel note the fundamental change in circumstances which has occurred on the 22 of September 2010 when the criminal proceedings were concluded with a not guilty verdict on all counts. The allegations date back to 1999 and are strenuously denied. The Crown Prosecution Service has supplied a detailed explanation of the reasons why the complainant’s evidence was not regarded as sufficiently credible to justify proceeding with the criminal case.
The Panel is mindful that it is an extremely serious matter to suspend or continue the suspension of the Registration of a Registered Health Professional, or in any way to restrict the ability of such a person to practise on the basis of allegations which have not been proved.
The Panel has concluded on the evidence provided by the HPC, and the documents provided by the CPS that there is a very low risk of harm occurring if an Interim Order is not made.
Committees Direction:
Accordingly, the Panel determines that the Interim Suspension Order made on the 17th December 2009 and reviewed on the 11th June 2010 and 2 September 2010 should be revoked.
(http://www.hpc-uk.org/complaints/hearings/index.asp?id=2154)