Doctor wanted in US on sex charges remanded on bail

AN IRISH doctor wanted in the United States after allegedly fleeing from that country before his trial on child sex offences …

AN IRISH doctor wanted in the United States after allegedly fleeing from that country before his trial on child sex offences has been remanded on continuing bail by the High Court.

The US authorities are seeking the extradition of Dr David West (54), formerly Dr Rory Doyle before changing his name by deed poll in 2004, with addresses at Donnybrook Manor, Belmont Avenue, Donnybrook, Dublin, and Sallins Bridge, Sallins, Co Kildare.

Dr West, who denies all the accusations against him, is wanted on charges including molesting a child and fondling a child under the age of 16 years.

He is also sought on charges of failing to show up for his trial in Florida in November 2001.

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The child abuse offences are alleged to have occurred at Treasure Island, Florida on dates between September 1994, and February 1995 and at St Petersburg, Florida, in July 2000. All of the complainants were under 13 years at the time of the alleged offences.

The US authorities also claim that while on bail, Dr West failed to show up for his trial.

At the High Court yesterday, Mr Justice Michael Peart further remanded Dr West on bail after his lawyers requested more time to deal with matters.

Dr West was granted bail after he agreed to sign on daily at Donnybrook Garda station, surrender his passports and provide an independent surety of €100,000.

In separate proceedings, Dr West’s registration here was suspended earlier this month by the High Court pending a Medical Council decision on April 28th next relating to sanctions to be imposed on him for professional misconduct.

Dr West had practised at premises in Dublin city centre, including Advanced Cosmetic Surgery, Therapie Beauty Treatments and the Madison Clinic.

The Fitness To Practise Committee of the Medical Council on December 10th last found Dr West not guilty of professional misconduct in relation to a complaint against him made by a patient here.

The High Court subsequently lifted the suspension of his registration on his undertaking not to treat children in his practice and only to perform cosmetic surgery.

During the investigation into the first complaint, it was learned that Dr West had changed his name by deed poll, that he was the subject of charges of sexual assault in Florida and that he had effectively fled.

A second inquiry was initiated. That second inquiry heard evidence from a complainant of the alleged sex assault in Florida who had travelled from there for the hearing. Dr West did not participate.

On March 24th, the committee found Dr West guilty of eight counts of professional misconduct and recommended that the council cancel his registration.