The GMC has been forced back from the idea that everyone with a criminal record cant practice.
Recent case of a doctor-school governor who was accused to school financial naughtiness, and the GMC were told on appeal that they could not suspend him on that basis from medical practice - the case is here:
he Fitness to Practise Allegation
The fitness to practise allegations did not relate to the doctor’s professional conduct, as he faced a criminal investigation relating to his duties as a school governor, regarding the authorisation of payments. He faced criminal charges of conspiracy to defraud and fraud by abuse of his position. The conduct was said to have occurred over a substantial period of time and involved over £1 million, although no personal gain to the doctor was alleged.
The Interim Orders Panel decision
The IOP suspended the doctor’s registration for 18 months to protect the public interest.
The Appeal
The High Court in overturning the suspension order stated that the nature of the wrongdoing did not relate to the doctor’s clinical competency. The doctor denied the allegations which remained pending before the criminal courts. There was no evidence of a threat to the public’s welfare and so allowing the doctor to continue to practice medicine in the meantime would not undermine the public’s confidence in the profession.