A doctor who was struck off for having a "lunchtime affair" with a patient has failed in his bid to be reinstated.

Former GP Dr Tim Pringle appeared before the General Medical Council in London on Thursday in a second bid to return to the profession.

He was taken off the medical register in 1996 after he was found guilty of serious professional misconduct.

But the GMC committee decided he could not be reinstated.

Professor Peter Richards, chairman of the GMC committee presiding over the case, said: "The committee feels that you still don't seem to fully recognise the damage your behaviour has had on a vulnerable patient's health and marriage. We doubt the sincerity of your expressed remorse."

But they left the door open for Dr Pringle, 50, to apply again if he chose to.

The medical council hearing was told Dr Pringle had regular lunchtime sex with a married woman patient - called Mrs A - who had post natal depression.

Bradley Marten, on behalf of the GMC, said: "Dr Pringle visited Mrs A on a regular basis for lunchtime sex.

"It would correct to say she was willing party."

Mr Marten said Mrs A became increasingly confused and upset during the affair. She considered suicide and began cutting herself with a knife as she felt so guilty about the relationship.

In June 1991, Dr Pringle married his girlfriend Simone and the affair came to an end.

Wife Simone Pringle spoke at the hearing in support of her husband. She said: "I feel Tim has come a long way in accepting what he has done and that he will never let it happen again.

"I believe my husband would never jeopardise anything we have again."

She said her husband had shown determination and strength in trying to be re-instated on the register.

Dr Pringle told the hearing he was interested in working on medical research and doing occasional locum work.

He said: "I had more than 2,000 patients in Colchester. Not a day goes by when I don't miss them and think about at least one of them.

"They were my family and I feel like I betrayed them. I do not want to have that emotional attachment again."

Dr Pringle worked at a surgery in Maldon Road, Colchester, until 1991 when he moved to premises in Boadicea Way.

The popular GP's patients helped transform a run-down house into the new surgery, some hailing him as "the best GP anyone could ask for".

Dr Pringle declined to comment after the case.

By Louise Fuller

Reporter's e-mail: louise_fuller@thisisessex.co.uk

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