Dr Waney Squier struck off for shaken baby evidence

A doctor who disputed the existence of "shaken baby syndrome" has been struck off for giving "misleading and dishonest" evidence in court.

Dr Waney Squier, 67, was erased from the medical register for misleading courts in cases where parents were accused of killing their children.

The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) made its decision on Monday.

The doctor, who works at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital, can appeal.

'DISDAIN FOR EXPERTISE'

The consultant neuropathologist acted as an expert witness in six cases, including the deaths of four babies and a 19-month-old child.

She disputed the existence of shaken baby syndrome - brain trauma caused by violently shaking an infant - and in each case said the evidence was not consistent with non-accidental injury and was more likely to be caused by other means.

In its summary, the MPTS said: "You deliberately and dishonestly misinterpreted, misstated and misquoted research literature to support your own opinions."

The decision added that her attitude to her colleagues was "shocking, openly displaying your disdain for their expertise and opinions".

In summarising the "aggravating factors" which led to Dr Squier's erasure, the MPTS added the evidence she gave was in "serious cases" and "had the potential to subvert the course of justice".

Dr Squier previously told the BBC Panorama programme she was "devastated" after the MPTS ruled that she had misled courts and gave irresponsible evidence.