Downpatrick GP in Crown Court facing fraud charges

Downpatrick GP in Crown Court facing fraud charges

16 March 2016

A DOWNPATRICK GP is to stand trial next month accused of fraudulently conducting clinical trials on patients.

In an appearance at the Crown Court on Thursday, the 58 year-old doctor was arraigned on a total of eight charges, all of which he denied.

Dr McGoldrick faces six charges relating to the clinical trials which were carried out between November 2007 and June 2008. Four are counts of fraud by false representation relating to the criteria for the clinical trials, one accuses him of breaching protocol in the clinical trial, and another alleges that he of carried out the trial “otherwise than in accordance with the conditions and principles of good clinical practice”.

The trials were in connection with a new sleeping tablet. He also faces two charges of trying to pervert the course of justice by facilitating the attempted destruction of clinical trial records.

These charges are understood to be in connection with two alleged arson attacks on his Pound Lane Clinic practice in Downpatrick in November 2008.

Dr McGoldrick, of Crossgar Road East, spoke only to reply ‘not guilty’ to all the charges.

Lawyers for the prosecution and the defence told Judge Piers Grant QC that they intended the trial to run in April but needed to confirm the venue.

The case is due back in court early next month for a trial update.