'Dirty needle' dentist jailed

The surgery - now in new hands - was in Maryhill

A dentist who admitted defrauding the National Health Service and using dirty needles on patients has been jailed for three years at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

William Duff, 39, admitted exposing patients to blood infections, including HIV, by failing to steralise equipment at his practice in the Maryhill area of Glasgow.

He also admitted defrauding the NHS of nearly £12,000 by carrying out unnecessary work on patients for three years until 1994.

Sheriff Susan Raeburn jailed Duff for three years on Thursday after he pleaded guilty to a charge of culpable and reckless conduct and fraud at an earlier hearing.

Three years isn't good enough. This man performed unnecessary work on my teeth and caused me a lot of pain

Former patient, Moanne Russell

The court heard how Duff boosted his income by claiming payments from the NHS for unnecessary work that he carried out on patients.

By the early 1990s he was one of the best-paid dentists in the city, earning an estimated £1m in fees.

However, Duff admitted cutting corners and treating patients without sterilised equipment.

This left them open to a host of potentially fatal blood diseases, including HIV.

His three-year fraud ended in 1994 after patients complained to health officials, sparking a four-year-long investigation by fraud squad detectives.

Jail term criticised

He was struck off by the General Dental Council in 1995.

Before sentencing, Duff's defence solicitor-advocate Maurice Smyth argued that he had been suffering from depression and that this had affected his judgement.

Sheriff Susan Raeburn QC said he had dented public confidence in the dental profession and that she had no option but to impose a custodial sentence.

Duff was jailed at Glasgow Sheriff Court

The three-year term was criticised by several of Duff's former patients.

Mother of one, Ellen Barclay, 35, said she was awaiting the results of an HIV test.

She added: "I'm absolutely terrified at what he has done. Three years isn't good enough. He'll be out in 15 months. I might not see my seven-year-old son grow up."

Moanne Russell, 37, from Summerston in Glasgow said: "Three years isn't good enough. This man performed unnecessary work on my teeth and caused me a lot of pain.

"He put a lot of strain on my marriage over it. I'm still seeking treatment. The offer made by health bosses still isn't enough."

Greater Glasgow Health Board has set up a helpline for worried former patients. The number is 0800 224488. Lines will be open from 0800-2200GMT.