TIMETABLE OF EVENTS
05/02/2002

1977: Richard Neale left the UK to work at Prince George Hospital, British Columbia, Canada, after botching surgery in London.

1979: The deaths of several patients under his care led to a "loss of all privileges" at the British Columbia hospital.

1979: Neale removed himself from the British Columbia medical register and got a new job in Ontario.

1985: After the death of a patient and poor surgical procedure, Neale was struck off in Ontario.

1985: Neale appointed as senior consultant at the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, North Yorkshire

1986: Yorkshire Regional Health Authority informed about Neale's Canadian history. The authority passed on the information to the General Medical Council (GMC). No action was taken.

1986: Dr Andy Sear, a former friend of Neale, telephoned the GMC from Canada to issue a warning, but no action taken.

1987: Internal health authority investigation into Neale's Canadian past. No action taken.

1987: Neale returned to Canada in bid to get his medical licence back. His bid is unanimously rejected by the authorities.

1991: Neale arrested and cautioned by police following an incident with two other men in public lavatories in Richmond, North Yorkshire. No action taken by the Friarage or the GMC. Patients not informed. Neale subsequently promoted to head of maternity.

1993: The Northern Echo publishes first of many stories about Neale, entitled Struck Off Doctor Told To Carry On.

1995: Neale continues to work at the Friarage and at private hospitals in North Yorkshire. Complaints from patients continue.

1995: Friarage Hospital board agrees to £100,000 pay-off and good reference to get rid of Neale. Members also agree to buy his private consulting room for £57,000.

1995: Armed with reference, Neale obtains positions at several hospitals.

1997: Alert letter issued telling NHS hospitals not to employ Neale.

1997: Neale operates in private sector. More complaints pile up.

1998: Action and Support Group for Medical Victims of Richard Neale formed in Northallerton.

2000: Neale struck off the medical register for botching operations, lying to patients and altering records after 34 out of 35 sample charges are proven.

2001: Department of Health announces independent inquiry into Neale scandal, Rejected by patient group.

2002: Patient group granted leave to apply for judicial review in High Court to force Department of Health to hold a public inquiry.

May 2003: Neale inquiry gets under-way at York

July 2003: GMC admit "blunder" allowed Neale to continue working at Friarage Hospital.

May 2004: North Yorkshire Police announce they are to re-open their investigation into allegations against Neale.