Press Release

Blackpool biomedical scientist struck off by health regulator

A panel of the Conduct and Competence Committee of the Health Professions Council (HPC) met on the 17th June at Park House, London to hear the case of Stephen Davis. The panel heard the allegation that his fitness to practise was impaired by reason of his conviction at Preston Crown Court on 2nd November 2004 for attempted murder.

Sandy Yule, Chairman of the Panel said “The Panel has listened to the evidence that Mr Davis was convicted of attempted murder, following trial at Preston Crown Court on 2nd November 2004. Mr. Davis was subsequently sentenced on the 3rd of November 2004 to six year’s imprisonment. The Panel considers the nature of the offence and the lengthy sentence imposed impairs the registrant’s fitness to practice. The allegation is therefore well founded.

“The panel has considered all the options available to them, namely those of taking no further action, mediation, imposing a caution, issuing conditions of practise and suspending the registrant. However due to the serious nature and gravity of the conviction these options, in the Panel's view, are not considered adequate to promote public confidence in the profession and the Health Professions Council as a whole.

“The Panel carefully considered the mitigation given at the time of Mr. Davis's trial, namely that he was previously of good character and this was an isolated incident and that Mr. Davis has accepted full responsibility for his actions. However, the Panel are of the view that the only sanction which would adequately protect the public is a striking off order in this case. Therefore, the Panel directs the Registrar to strike the name of Mr. Stephen John Davis from the register.”

The Health Professions Council is a UK-wide health regulator set up to protect the public. It sets standards for thirteen health professions. The HPC only registers people who meet its standards for their professional skills, behaviour and health, and will take action against people who do not.