Cot deaths expert faces probe

The cot death expert behind a series of wrongful convictions of mothers is facing disciplinary action.

Professor Sir Roy Meadow was today ordered in front of the doctors' disciplinary committee and faces being struck off. The 70-year-old paediatrician's reputation suffered a further blow last week after Appeal Court judges cleared Angela Cannings of murdering her two sons.

Mrs Cannings is the third mother, following solicitor Sally Clark and pharmacist-Trupti Patel, to have been freed on appeal after convictions based on evidence from Professor Meadow.

Today the General Medical Council announced he must appear before a professional conduct committee. If found guilty, he could be suspended or struck from the doctors' register, ending his medical career.

Officials from the GMC are putting together evidence. Professor Meadow is being allowed to continue practising before the hearing, which is expected to take place in the second half of next year.

The professor's view that "two cot deaths is suspicious, three is murder" - known as Meadow's Law - has been heavily criticised by experts who say multiple deaths may be due to inherited genetic conditions.