GBH doctor suspended for a year

Nik Mann will be re-assessed by the GMC in 12 months' time

A doctor who beat a paramedic into a coma has been suspended by the General Medical Council (GMC) for 12 months.

Nik Mann was told his assault on Stephen Mason in Nuneaton, Warks, in August 2006 was contrary to the aims and ideals of the medical profession.

But the fitness to practise panel said it was not in the public interest to strike off Mann.

He was told to do 200 hours' community service after admitting grievous bodily harm at Warwick Crown Court last June.

Former soldier Jake Roe, of Polesworth, also admitted the same offence and was told to complete the same punishment.

'Deeply remorseful'

Their trial heard Mann and Roe had been drinking and had beaten Mr Mason after claiming he had hit Mann's fiancee.

But the GMC hearing was told several doctors had given references for Mann, saying his attack was out of character.

Stephen Mason has criticised the GMC's decision

His lawyer told the hearing Mann was "deeply remorseful" for the "indefensible" attack.

Mr Mason, who was in a coma for 12 hours and off work for nearly four months after the attack, said he was "infuriated" by the GMC's decision.

He said: "(Mann's) been to A&E before, he's had people come up to him who've been assaulted and had to treat them and he came back to the scene after I was knocked out and further stamped on my head.

"How can someone do that? How can someone be given a trustworthy job as a doctor or as a GP?

"It just infuriates me. If he's done it once, he'll probably do it again."

Mann will be assessed by the GMC panel before he is allowed back on the register.