Doctor 'won't fight ban extension'

David Southall, 59, was forbidden from working on child protection cases for three years after he was found guilty of serious professional misconduct in 2004.

He was severely criticised by the General Medical Council after it emerged he had contacted police saying it was "beyond reasonable doubt" that Steve Clark murdered his sons Christopher and Harry after watching a TV programme about the case.

A Fitness to Practise Review Panel heard Southall had lost his title Professor after retiring from his post at the North Staffordshire Hospital Trust in November 2004.

The doctor was branded irresponsible by a disciplinary panel who investigated the case following a complaint from Mr Clark.

Despite having no previous involvement with the investigation into the deaths of the couple's children, Southall contacted Child Protection Authorities and police accusing Mr Clark of murder after watching a Channel 4 Despatches documentary. The programme was aired in April 2000.

A review meeting held on Monday at GMC headquarters in Manchester heard the doctor would not contest an application to extend the ban for 12 months. His lawyer, Alison Foster QC, said the doctor would "freely accept" restrictions banning him from working on child protection cases.

Lawyer Richard Tyson, representing the GMC, said Southall had not breached the conditions laid down in 2004. He said Southall had never apologised to Mr Clark and had shown little contrition or regret for his actions.

Mr Tyson said: "We would submit there's been no substantial change in Dr Southall's position. He still thinks he was right to do what he did and this we submit shows a continuing lack of the necessary insight or he's a man who doesn't change his mind easily.

"The original offences were very serious indeed and were regarded as such by the Professional Conduct Committee. The PCC found the doctor had acted precipitantly on two separate occasions. He had acted irresponsibly on two separate occasions. The doctor was shown no remorse for his actions, no contrition and he's offered no apology to Mr Clark even with the benefit of hindsight."