Speeding doctor who lied to PC faces suspension

A doctor who lied to a police officer who had pulled her over for speeding and driving through a red traffic light is facing a ban from practising medicine.

When Eno Umotong was stopped on her way to work at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on 31 December 2022 she falsely claimed to have been going there to visit a sick relative.

The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) also heard that Umotong had been disqualified from driving at the time of the new offences.

The panel ruled her fitness to practise was impaired and, unless she successfully appeals within 28 days, will be suspended from medicine for eight months.

Agreeing not to impose the suspension immediately, it noted: "Dr Umotong has been working since the misconduct and convictions and no immediate risk to the public [has] been identified."

The hearing heard the doctor admitted all 18 allegations brought by the General Medical Council, including lying to a police officer about her name, date of birth, and the car she was travelling in.

Umotong also concealed the fact she was driving while disqualified at the time, and falsely claimed to have insurance.

The panel was told that, for her offences of 31 December 2022, she had been banned from driving for 10 months, fined £800 and given a community order by Blackpool Magistrates on 28 February 2023.

She admitted driving while disqualified and without insurance, speeding, driving through a red light, and obstructing a police officer.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.