GP 'did not racially abuse rep'

A GP's wife has denied allegations her husband hit and shouted racist abuse at a medical sales representative.

She said Dr Khalid Mahmood, 61, behaved "impeccably" at the July 2003 event, hosted by drug company Pfizer at London restaurant Claridges.

She claimed it was rep Margaret Ajoku who assaulted him when he refused to fill in a questionnaire, the General Medical Council in Manchester heard.

The GP denies his fitness to practise is impaired through misconduct.

'Black monkey'

His wife told the panel Ms Ajoku insulted him and then kicked him when he refused to fill in a satisfaction questionnaire.

"He made no racist comments to her," she said. "She started the argument and shouted, 'You Asians, you always make a mess of things'."

The hearing in Manchester was earlier told Ms Ajoku had asked the GP to fill in the form as he was "visibly vocal and unhappy" with the meeting.

Mr Mahmood is alleged to have then attacked Ms Ajoku, hitting her and calling her a "black monkey", after the presentation about a new arthritis drug.

Swollen chest

But his wife said the GP, who runs a practice on Kilburn High Road, north London, may have "accidentally" made contact with Ms Ajoku's chest and arm as he defended himself.

Ms Ajoku was left with a swollen chest and face and a burst blood vessel in her eye, the panel heard.

Dr Mahmood admits he was disappointed with the presentation but denies shouting abusive language or assaulting Ms Ajoku.

The hearing continues.