VICTIMS of bungling doctor Richard Neale have claimed that the truth would never be known after losing a court battle with the Government.

Former patients had asked the High Court to overturn a decision by Health Secretary Alan Milburn to hold an investigation into the Neale affair behind closed doors.

But on Friday, a judge upheld Mr Milburn's decision to block a full inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the handling of the Neale case at the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton.

Graham Maloney, advisor to the group, said: "It is bitterly disappointing that we have lost. I think it has set patients' rights back a decade."

Former Tory leader William Hague said: "This is a very regrettable decision. The many victims of Richard Neale deserve a public inquiry. Now it will be impossible to be certain that all the facts about this appalling saga are known and lessons for the future may not be learned." Campaigners plan to appeal against the decision.

Mr Neale was struck off in July 2000 after 34 sample counts of professional misconduct were proved against him.

Despite being struck off in Canada, the gynaecologist was allowed to operate in the UK for more than a decade.

Eventually, 88 women claimed they were seriously injured by Mr Neale and more than 200 made complaints.

An investigation by North Yorkshire police found insufficient evidence to take any further action, although detectives in Canada are continuing with their own investigations.

The Department of Health plans to hold an independent inquiry, but it will take evidence in private.

As a concession, the inquiry panel will be chaired by an independent lawyer and not an NHS doctor, as was originally proposed. Witnesses will also be allowed to talk to the Press after giving evidence, but lawyers representing patients will not be allowed to cross-examine or call witnesses.

Campaign founder Sheila Wright-Hogeland, 50, who brought the court action, is now not expected to face a legal bill of about £75,000.

Mr Justice Scott Baker, sitting in London, ruled: "There is no legitimate expectation that because the Government has ordered public inquiries into other disasters in the past there would be a public inquiry in the Neale case."

l Friarage wins national accolade: Page 3