The High Court has ordered the interim suspension of an anonymised doctor from the Irish medical register while Medical Council fitness-to-practise procedures continue.
Mr Justice David Barniville, President of the High Court, granted the Medical Council's application on October 8, 2025. The doctor, identified as RS, participated remotely and opposed the application.
RS registered as a doctor in Ireland in February 2023 but has lived and practised in the United Kingdom. The judgment records that he has not practised medicine in Ireland.
The Medical Council became aware in July 2024 that the UK General Medical Council had imposed conditions on RS's registration. Further information later disclosed that he had been arrested in January 2024 and subsequently charged in January 2025 with offences relating to alleged indecent images of children and extreme pornographic material.
Barniville J repeatedly stressed that those are allegations only. No court or tribunal had made findings against RS, who firmly denied wrongdoing and said he intended to defend the UK criminal proceedings.
The Medical Council also raised concern that RS answered “No” on his June 2024 annual retention form when asked whether he was aware of any criminal investigation against him, although he had already been arrested and interviewed. The judgment records that no explanation for that answer had been provided.
For an interim suspension, the court had to consider whether the allegations were serious, whether the case appeared strong and whether an adverse fitness-to-practise finding could justify a severe sanction. Barniville J found all three requirements satisfied. He said the allegations were extremely serious and, if ultimately established in professional disciplinary proceedings, could justify cancellation of registration.
The court then balanced public protection against RS's rights to his good name, livelihood and the presumption of innocence. It found public protection should prevail.
The suspension and related orders will remain in force until further statutory steps are taken. Both sides have liberty to apply to vary or discharge them, and costs were reserved.