A WOMAN has told of the traumatic impact a North East doctor’s “manipulative” actions and behaviour had on her life.
Dr Clive Kelly, who recently worked for Middlesbrough’s James Cook University Hospital, appeared before the second day of a remote misconduct hearing on Tuesday after confessing to more than 40 allegations.
The rheumatologist was arrested and handed a restraining order following a sustained campaign of harassment against a student in 2017, according to evidence submitted by the GMC to the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) panel.
On Tuesday, the panel heard evidence from ‘Miss B’, a woman who reported Dr Kelly to police after he bombarded her with a series of disturbing messages and quizzed her about her sex life.
Her identity has not been revealed for legal reasons.
Read more: James Cook University Hospital doctor Clive Kelly could be struck off
The doctor’s messages – sent despite the woman asking him not to contact her or her family – included several that cast aspersions upon her mental state. Dr Kelly continued to contact the woman even after being arrested and banned from doing so.
In setting out its case against Dr Kelly, the General Medical Council (GMC) said he gaslit and caused distress to Miss B, showing no regard for her mental health.
Prosecuting, Ceri Widdett said: “Dr Kelly was much older than her and in a position of authority and power. His use of language in messages to Miss B evidenced an emotional reliance upon Miss B. That was unreciprocated.
“His use of language also evidenced an unwanted interest into Miss B’s sex life. He was aware of the impact of his actions upon her.”
Cross-examining Miss B’s evidence Anthony Haycroft, defending, started off with an apology to the victim from Dr Kelly.
“He wanted to help you but he has upset you, caused you distress and overstepped the mark. He is also sorry for accessing your mothers records without her permission.”
The tribunal heard how Dr Kelly had referred to Miss B as his “best friend” shortly after helping her with careers advice and charity work. “I did not reciprocate that notion but if he felt that way that was up to him,” Miss B said.
Miss B then described how Dr Kelly became infatuated with her, and was willing to support her financially and academically.
Miss B said: “I think he pushed boundaries that I did didn’t want to push further. He pushed the relationship that we had into a territory I felt less comfortable with and made it difficult for me.
"He pursued topics that I made clear were not suitable for the friendship we had.”
The tribunal heard it was in August 2017 when Miss B realised the impact of what she described were Dr Kelly’s manipulative actions.
“There was a stage where it became more clear but I was still doubting my own version of events,” Miss B said.
“I did get confused by what he was doing as he said I didn’t understand what a real friendship was, I didn’t understand what he was doing was fine.
“Looking back on it now I am horrified that he did that.”
The tribunal continues.
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