Dubai doctor cleared in UK manslaughter court case

NOT GUILTY: Dr Mitra Nikkhah.

A Dubai-based doctor at the centre of a manslaughter court case in the UK involving the death of an elderly patient has been found not guilty.

A jury at Plymouth Crown Court returned a unanimous not guilty verdict after two hours of deliberation on Thursday, the Plymouth Evening Herald reported.

Dr Mitra Nikkhah, 41, who has been working as a GP in Dubai since Oct. 2007 was on trial accused of the manslaughter by gross negligence of 73-year-old David Townsend.

After she discussed the criminal charge with her employers in Dubai her contract was terminated.

She said she found another job as a GP in Dubai, but learned the authorities had cancelled her registration and licence to practise. It is not clear what the court ruling will have on this decision.

Townsend died at his home in Antony Gardens, Plymouth, in May 2006 after being prescribed penicillin by Dr Nikkhah following a consultation with her at the city’s St Budeaux Health Centre, where she worked as a locum.

Mr Townsend went into anaphylactic shock after taking the penicillin and died, the jury heard.

During the trial a prominent Home Office pathologist told the court the city pensioner probably died of a heart attack not connected to anaphylactic shock.

After the verdict Dr Nikkhah said she wanted to extend her “deepest condolences to the family”.

She said: “This has clearly been a tragedy for all concerned. However, I have always maintained that my actions that day were not negligent and am pleased that the jury have examined the evidence and found me not guilty of manslaughter.

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READERS' COMMENTS

DOHMS was aware of Dubai Doctor cleared of manslaughter
Posted by Dr Aleem Mirza, dubai, UAE on Saturday 29 November 2008 at 22:54 UAE time


I am the medical director of the clinic which employed Dr Mitra when her contract was terminated by the other clinic. having been fully aware of her situation she needed support during a very traumatic time having been falsely accused of ''killing a patient''. In my opinion these reports were not called for when the final jury decision had not been published. It was only an accusation and the GMC had not CANCELLED her license. She was able to work as a doctor with certain restrictions and my clinic was fully aware of this and under no situation was there any risk to the public or doubt about the quality of care that she gave her patients at the Medical Centre. I have fully supported her during this difficult time and have expressed my concerns to DOHMS and DHA about their action and consequences

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