Deputy State pathologist resigns following dispute with Cassidy

The Deputy State pathologist Dr Khalid Jaber has unexpectedly resigned from his post.

The Department of Justice said he handed in his notice yesterday and quit with immediate effect.

A spokeswoman for Minister for Justice Alan Shatter said: “Deputy State Pathologist Dr Khalid Jaber has tendered his resignation to the Minister for Justice and Equality.”

“Dr Jaber’s resignation has been accepted with immediate effect and he has been notified accordingly.”

The Saudi-born pathologist was appointed in 2010 to the Office of the State Pathologist, headed by Prof Marie Cassidy.

His resignation comes amid reports of differences with State pathologist Prof Marie Cassidy.

Prof Cassidy (54), from Glasgow, has headed the State Pathologist’s Office since 2004.

She has been assisted by two deputies, Dr Jaber and Dr Michael Curtis, while Dr Margot Bolster helps on a part-time and regional basis.

Asked if Dr Jaber had been requested to resign or had done so voluntarily a spokeswoman for Mr Shatter said: “The grounds on which the resignation has occurred are primarily private matters for Dr Jaber and it would not be appropriate to comment on them publicly”.

She added: “The question of finding a replacement for Dr Jaber will be pursued by the Department of Justice and Equality at an early stage and in that regard the Minister considers that a professional and comprehensive pathology service will continue to be delivered”.

Asked about the implications for forthcoming trials at which Dr Jaber might have been due to given evidence Mr Shatter’s spokeswoman said the resignation will not prevent the prosecution of criminal cases where medical examinations have been carried out by Dr Jaber in his capacity as Deputy State Pathologist. “In this context Dr Jaber can be called as a witness by the prosecution and give evidence before the relevant court.

“In the event that Dr Jaber is not available the file will be referred to a senior pathologist who will give evidence.

“The State Pathologist has been informed of the position in relation to Dr Jaber and she will put the necessary operational arrangements in place to take account of his resignation.”