Kerb crawling GP investigated

Police have clamped down on soliciting in Middlesbrough

A kerb crawling family doctor from County Durham is being investigated by the General Medical Council (GMC).

Dr Patrick Holmes, of Middleton St George, near Darlington, faces being struck off if he is found guilty of professional misconduct.

The GMC investigation comes after Dr Holmes was convicted twice for soliciting prostitutes in Middlesbrough.

Dr Holmes, 33, who practices at the Felix House surgery in Middleton St George, could also become the first GP in Britain to be made the subject of an anti-social behaviour order.

'Restrict movements'

Cleveland Police are considering banning him from the red light district of the Middlesbrough.

A police spokesman said they were considering imposing an order which would "restrict Dr Holmes's movements" in Middlesbrough.

A spokesman for Darlington Primary Care Trust and County Durham Health Authority said: "We are working with the GMC in respect of this matter to ensure the best interest of patients.

"Dr Holmes will not be seeing patients until the GMC have assessed his continued registration."

Dr Holmes, who is married with a young daughter, pleaded guilty to soliciting a woman from a vehicle for the purpose of prostitution and was fined £300 by Teesside magistrates on 24 September.

He was also convicted of kerb crawling in March 2000.

Dr Holmes was not available for comment.