GP struck off over child porn

Dr Dovey admitted the internet pornography offences

A doctor who downloaded 1,301 pornographic images of children has been struck off the Medical Register.

Dr Michael Dovey, 63, of Gee Moors, Bristol, subscribed to an American web site in 1999 using a password almost identical to his NHS number.

He pleaded guilty to 13 specimen counts of making an indecent photograph or image of a child when he appeared before Bristol Crown Court last May.

Dr Dovey retired as a GP in 1998 before the offences were committed.

The committee have determined that taking no action and concluding this case with a reprimand would be unacceptable Dr Linda Buchanan

He was caught by Avon and Somerset Police acting on information gathered during the nationwide Operation Ore crackdown and was sentenced to 30 months last year, comprising six months imprisonment and an extension period of two years.

On Thursday, the General Medical Council's professional conduct committee, sitting in Manchester, suspended his registration and removed his name from the register.

Dr Linda Buchanan, chairing the conduct hearing, said: "The committee considers this offence to be an extremely serious matter which undermines public confidence in the medical profession and damages its reputation.

"In view of the seriousness of Dr Dovey's conviction, the committee have determined that taking no action and concluding this case with a reprimand would be unacceptable."