Page last updated at 13:38 GMT, Monday, 21 April 2008 14:38 UK

Panel hears drugs doctor claims

GMC sign
The General Medical Council is investigating the claims

A hearing has been told a Dumfriesshire doctor lied to police about having drugs in his car at a music festival.

Dr Fraser Gibb, 41, was caught with 14 ecstasy tablets and small amounts of amphetamine and cannabis resin at the Wickerman event in southern Scotland.

He was later convicted of possessing ecstasy at the festival in July 2006.

However, the General Medical Council heard that there was no evidence the psychiatrist had neglected any of his patients. The hearing continues.

A fitness-to-practise panel in Manchester was told that the locum consultant psychiatrist at Crichton Royal Hospital in Dumfries failed to disclose the drugs when quizzed by officers.

Robin Kitching, counsel for the GMC, said Dr Gibb was stopped in his car by an officer at the festival entrance at Dundrennan near Kirkcudbright.

He said he honestly and genuinely believed he was dealing with security personnel
Robin Kitching
GMC counsel

He denied having any drugs but when police searched his car they found the pills, powder and resin in a black case on the back seat.

He was cautioned and later arrested when he confirmed to detectives that the drugs were for his own use.

Mr Kitching said: "He accepted he told them he did not have any drugs in his car.

"Dr Gibb said the officers were not wearing police ID around their necks.

"He said he honestly and genuinely believed he was dealing with security personnel."

Mr Kitching added that when interviewed Dr Gibb accepted it was "irresponsible" for someone in his position to be caught with drugs and said he would not do it again.

He told police some of the ecstasy tablets were bought a few months previously at a music concert in Glasgow.

He said he bought them in bulk because they were cheaper but only used them once or twice a year at festivals.

Dr Gibb also admitted taking amphetamines on the same basis but said he used cannabis more frequently.

Work suspension

The panel was told he denied sourcing drugs from his workplace and did not use other banned substances such as cocaine.

The hearing will also investigate claims that Dr Gibb did not give his full name and address to officers at the festival.

The doctor denies those allegations.

Dr Gibb was suspended on full pay by his employers, NHS Dumfries and Galloway, following the incident.

Mr Kitching said there was no evidence the doctor had neglected his patients and he was said to be generally well thought-of by colleagues.

Festival drug doctor investigated
15 Apr 08 |  South of Scotland

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