London:
An Indian-origin doctor accused of performing oral sex on a male patient has been cleared of the charges by a UK tribunal.
Manav Arora has denied the patient's claims about the incident at University Hospital of North Tees where he was admitted with a leg infection, the General Medical Council's (GMC) Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service in Manchester heard yesterday.
"The panel is of the view that there is an inherent implausibility in the event alleged," ruled Edward Doyle, chair of the GMC fitness to practise panel.
"The panel has also noted the practical issues that would arise should such an incident occur. These would include the possibility of somebody else entering the room during the assault which in a busy A&E department is likely," he added.
In his statement to police the patient recalled being admitted to hospital with a "big blister" and "rotten" infection on his leg.
Arora, from north-east England, told the tribunal that the consultation was unremarkable, but the man, referred to as Patient A, had become agitated when told he would have to stay in hospital.
However, the doctor has admitted stealing chocolates and toys worth 10 pounds from the Poundland shop in Castlegate Shopping Centre in Stockton after he was caught by a security guard in October 2011.
He failed to inform the GMC that he had accepted an 80 pounds fixed penalty notice for the offence, contrary to the regulator's guidelines.
Therefore, the medic could still face sanctions from the panel if they find his fitness to practice is impaired at the end of the overall fitness to practise hearing.