Lover denies self-poisoning claim

Dr Edward Erin denies administering poison

A woman who alleges her doctor lover tried to drug her to induce a miscarriage has denied defence claims she took the drugs herself.

Dr Edward Erin, of Kensington, west London, denies claims he poisoned Bella Prowse, a medical secretary, after she refused to abort his baby.

His lawyer told the Old Bailey she had become jealous and spiked her own drink to get him in trouble with the police.

Both worked at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, west London, at the time.

Clare Montgomery QC, defending, suggested Ms Prowse had become angry that married Dr Erin was continuing an affair with a third employee at the hospital, specialist registrar Malin Roesner.

You put the pill into the orange so you could tell the police that Ed had been trying to give you an abortion against your will Clare Montgomery QC

Ms Prowse admitted being "annoyed" with the doctor after receiving a text message in February 2008 she thought was intended for Ms Roesner.

The text read: "Would you fly away somewhere nice for that weekend if you don't do a locum [a fill-in shift for doctors]?"

Ms Prowse told the court: "I was angry when I got the text that I believed wasn't meant for me."

Dr Erin tried to explain his mistake in another text, which said: "Sorry, not a girl. Old climbing friend from Wales."

Ms Montgomery said: "I suggest that night you became very angry with him.

Bella Prowse eventually gave birth to a healthy baby

"You put the pill into the orange so you could tell the police that Ed had been trying to give you an abortion against your will."

Ms Prowse rejected the allegations.

Dr Erin, originally from Caerphilly, is accused of lacing Ms Prowse's drink on three separate occasions in February 2008, using a drug with side effects that include terminating pregnancies.

He has pleaded not guilty to procuring poison to be used with the intention of causing a miscarriage between 21 January and 8 February, 2008, administering poison to procure a miscarriage and two charges of attempting to administer poison.

Ms Prowse, 33, has told the court she found yellow powder after Dr Erin made her a cup of Earl Grey in January 2008.

Tests showed traces of the drug in question.

Ms Prowse went on to have a healthy baby.

The trial continues.