Neale still under investigation, say Canadian police
Barry Nelson
28/02/2002

Canadian detectives have confirmed that their inquiries into a disgraced surgeon are continuing.

The investigation continues as fresh efforts are made to persuade North Yorkshire Police to reopen the file on Richard Neale.

Former Northallerton mayor John Bacon has already asked the Health and Safety Executive to investigate how the NHS handled the Neale case in the North Yorkshire town.

Now he has written to the head of North Yorkshire CID setting out reasons why he believes their inquiries should be resumed.

Mr Bacon said Mr Neale demonstrated such a "reckless disregard" for his patients that the matter should be pursued.

North Yorkshire officers spent two years investigating allegations of assault against the former Friarage Hospital surgeon, who was struck off the medical register in July 2000. More than 200 women say they suffered at the hands of the surgeon, who botched a string of operations.

But four months ago, detectives were advised by the Crown Prosecution Service there was "no realistic prospect of criminal conviction".

Detectives in Canada, where Mr Neale was struck off after the death of two patients, said last night they were still obtaining medical files from his former patients.

Mr Bacon, who was mayor in 1983, has written to Detective Chief Superintendent Ian Lynch, head of North Yorkshire CID. He has also expressed concern that the independent medical expert called in by North Yorkshire Police worked briefly with Mr Neale.

The force defended the appointment, stressing the two men had only a brief professional acquaintance.

A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire Police confirmed they were considering the contents of Mr Bacon's letter.

A court decision is expected early next month on whether the Department of Health will be forced to hold a public inquiry into the Neale affair.