GDPUK members come to the rescue
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- Published: Friday, 06 March 2015 11:39
- Written by News Editor
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GDPUK members have contributed most of the costs incurred by a Scottish dentist who abandoned a defamation case against a patient, but had to pay the latter’s legal expenses of £10,500. Dentist Keith Watson had lodged the defamation action against Andrew McIntosh, relating to claims that led to him being exonerated by the GDC . When Mr Watson abandoned the case the court ordered him to pay £10,050 in expenses to Mr McIntosh.
Keith Watson outlined his position in a posting on GDPUK, stimulating a response from members who in less than 48 hours have contributed over £8750 to http://www.gofundme.com/keithwatson This amount is rising still.
The case goes back to a GDC hearing in 2010, when the Fitness to Practise panel threw out the allegations made (anonymously) by McIntosh. Even after Mr Watson was exonerated his accuser tried to take up a civil action against him. Keith Watson continued: “What annoyed me a great deal was that I had my name and reputation questioned in the papers for months and months with these allegations and (McIntosh) got to remain anonymous throughout it all. I couldn't use his name to warn other dentists about him or I'd be in breach of confidentiality”.
Mr Watson decided to take up a defamation action against his former patient, who was able to get legal aid to defend the case. There followed a two-year period with letters going to and fro between the lawyers and Watson’s legal costs mounting. He continues: “It got to the point where I felt I had spent enough on this guy and didn't feel I was able to keep it going any longer. I spoke with my lawyer and we decided that rather than continue and spend several more thousands of pounds on the case I should abandon it. However, after it was abandoned, his team applied to cancel the legal aid contract and billed me privately for £10,050. So, unfortunately I am obliged to pay them ."
The GoFundMe page was set up by Dr Victoria Holden, who said "Keith Watson's case for defamation against a patient whose false claims led to a GDC hearing has been abandoned due to spiralling costs. Despite initial reporting stating that Keith had won his case he has now been ordered to pay £10,000 in costs to the defendant. If you would like to help Keith pay these costs please donate. He has taken a stand for us all against malicious complaints so the outcome is very disappointing."
Many colleagues have been active across social media to rally professional colleagues to fund those costs. The case was brought to attention on the GDPUK forum by Dr Donna Jackson in this thread.
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