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Doctor 'convinced he was right' Doctor 'convinced he was right'
(about 14 hours later)
A paediatrician who wrongly accused a mother of murdering her son acted out of a "zealous enthusiasm and conviction he was right," a hearing was told.A paediatrician who wrongly accused a mother of murdering her son acted out of a "zealous enthusiasm and conviction he was right," a hearing was told.
Dr David Southall, 59, is appearing before a General Medical Council panel in London and faces a misconduct charge and the prospect of being struck off.Dr David Southall, 59, is appearing before a General Medical Council panel in London and faces a misconduct charge and the prospect of being struck off.
He has been found to have wrongly accused the mother of drugging her son and murdering him.He has been found to have wrongly accused the mother of drugging her son and murdering him.
The hearing has heard 10 testimonies from colleagues who support him.The hearing has heard 10 testimonies from colleagues who support him.
'A great talent''A great talent'
Speaking on Dr Southall's behalf, Kieran Coonan QC said his client was convinced he was right over the mother - known as Mrs M.Speaking on Dr Southall's behalf, Kieran Coonan QC said his client was convinced he was right over the mother - known as Mrs M.
He read testimonies from colleagues supporting him including one from Sir David Hall, former president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.He read testimonies from colleagues supporting him including one from Sir David Hall, former president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.
He said it would be a bad day for the profession, and ultimately for the public and children in particular, if people were penalised because their actions or opinions were unpopular.He said it would be a bad day for the profession, and ultimately for the public and children in particular, if people were penalised because their actions or opinions were unpopular.
He also pointed out Dr Southall's work in founding the Child Advisory International Charity for which he had been given an OBE. He also pointed out Dr Southall's work in founding the Child Advocacy International Charity for which he had been given an OBE.
Dr Simon Parke, who works with Dr Southall at North Staffordshire Hospital, said he had complete confidence in his clinical care.Dr Simon Parke, who works with Dr Southall at North Staffordshire Hospital, said he had complete confidence in his clinical care.
Mr Coonan said Dr Southall should not be banned from working and that it would be possible to draw up conditions to address any public safety issues.Mr Coonan said Dr Southall should not be banned from working and that it would be possible to draw up conditions to address any public safety issues.
In his closing submissions he said: "Anything else would lead to the loss of a great talent and the loss of somebody capable of providing care to other people less fortunate."In his closing submissions he said: "Anything else would lead to the loss of a great talent and the loss of somebody capable of providing care to other people less fortunate."
Panel adjournedPanel adjourned
Dr Southall was found guilty of serious professional misconduct by the GMC in 2004 over his role in the case of Sally Clark, who was wrongly jailed over the death of her two sons.Dr Southall was found guilty of serious professional misconduct by the GMC in 2004 over his role in the case of Sally Clark, who was wrongly jailed over the death of her two sons.
He has worked as a consultant paediatrician at London's Royal Brompton Hospital from 1982 before moving to the same post at the North Staffordshire Hospital in Stoke-on-Trent in 1992.He has worked as a consultant paediatrician at London's Royal Brompton Hospital from 1982 before moving to the same post at the North Staffordshire Hospital in Stoke-on-Trent in 1992.
The panel has adjourned to consider if Dr Southall is guilty of serious professional misconduct.The panel has adjourned to consider if Dr Southall is guilty of serious professional misconduct.
A decision is not expected before Tuesday afternoon.A decision is not expected before Tuesday afternoon.