THE Government has promised a review of health service procedures after a retired consultant was convicted of indecent assault.

The former Harrogate psychiatric consultant faced a number of allegations of rape and indecent assault by former patients, but was deemed unfit to plead because of failing health.

A finding-of-fact trial at Leeds Crown Court cleared 75-year-old Dr William Kerr - now of Alne, near York - of two counts of rape and four of indecent assault.

However, the jury failed to reach a verdict on another two rape charges and ten indecent assault charges.

On Monday, Kerr was convicted of one indecent assault though was given an absolute discharge on the grounds he was not a threat to the public.

Judge Arther Myerson placed him on the Sex Offenders' Register for five years.

Yesterday, he ordered the other outstanding offences should lie on the file after the prosecution confirmed a retrial would not be appropriate.

Health Secretary Alan Milburn has since ordered an inquiry into how the NHS handled the case.

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Phil Willis welcomed the move.

He said: "As this sad chapter ends, we must ensure that vulnerable patients with mental health problems - no matter how temporary - seek and receive top class support.

"This stain on the excellent reputation of those who work in our psychiatric services must be removed for good."

The North Yorkshire Health Authority's medical director, Professor Mark Baker, apologised to victims on behalf of the health community.

Prof Baker said a number of Kerr's patients had launched civil actions, adding: "The court case has focused on the acts of Dr Kerr dating back to the 1960s.

"While no organisation can provide absolute safeguards against the criminal acts of an individual, there is a need to review this case and learn all relevant lessons."

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said a total of 18 officers were involved in the collation of evidence, interviewing 726 people including 157 doctors.

More than 400 statements were taken during the investigation