Nurse who exposed himself to schoolgirls is struck off

George McClurkin, 40, stood at his window and exposed himself to five shocked youngsters outside his home in Ryhope, Sunderland, in April last year.

McClurkin disappeared from view at one stage, only to return naked from the waist down the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) was told yesterday. The mental health nurse, who works at Cherry Knowle Hospital, Sunderland, was later arrested and cautioned by police for indecent exposure.

The NMC found McClurkin guilty of misconduct yesterday and struck him off the register.

Committee chairman Professor David Sines said they did not feel McClurkin should be allowed to work with vulnerable adults and young people. He added that McClurkin still did not acknowledge the offence.

McClurkin shook his head during the committee's decision. He had earlier asked the committee to show him leniency.

During the hearing, David Glendinning, for the NMC, said the mother of one of the 13-year-old girls who witnessed the incident reported the nurse to police.

He said: "The window of the respondent's flat was full length, which explains why the children were able to see his trousers were around his ankles.

"It is a busy main road, near a school with a bus stop outside the property."

The children later told police how McClurkin disappeared out of view for a while before returning naked from the waist down.

McClurkin claimed he had just taken a shower and did not realise his blinds were open.

He said he could not even recall the day of the indecent exposure allegation.

He said: "I admit being careless on my behalf. I took a shower and came into the front room and the blinds had been open.

"I don't recall seeing them (the blinds) open and I don't know how long I was in the front room partially dressed."

McClurkin also claimed he accepted a police caution under duress.

He told the panel that during a break, a female police officer had said if he continued to deny the allegation he would face court.