Expert 'misled' abuse inquiry

A world authority on bone disease misled two child abuse inquiries to promote his own theory, the General Medical Council heard today.

Dr Colin Paterson is accused of diagnosing two youngsters with the controversial condition temporary brittle bone disease, despite medical evidence which did not support his findings.

The professional conduct-committee in Manchester heard the condition was Dr Paterson's own theory and was the subject of dispute within the medical profession.

The doctor, from Longforgan, near Dundee, was acting in court for two sets of parents accused of harming their children. Richard Tyson, for the GMC, said Dr Paterson used a "pick-and-mix" approach to diagnosing the syndrome, only highlighting symptoms that supported his theory.

Mr Tyson said: "Being an advocate for a cause is not what an expert witness should be doing. He should be independent."

Dr Paterson, 66, denies serious professional misconduct. The hearing continues.