Hobart GP fined following crash

A DOCTOR who earlier this year completed his suspension from practice because he had sex with a patient has been convicted in court of failing to comply with driver duties following a crash.

Dr Paul David Thompson, 64, appeared in Hobart Magistrates Court on Tuesday on one count of failing to comply with the duties of a driver involved in a crash, to which he pleaded guilty.

Another charge of being a driver involved in a crash and failing to stop was dismissed.

The court heard Dr Thompwas son was driving home from work on December 11 last year when he scraped past a parked vehicle in Colville St, Battery Point.

Court documents alleged the doctor had failed to provide his name and address within the required time to the owner of the damaged car.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Michael Daly said although Dr Thompson had pleaded guilty at the first available opportunity, he should have provided his personal details to the owner of the other car.

Defence lawyer Garth Stevens said Dr Thompson had been working long hours and

“sleepy” when he crashed.

Mr Stevens said anxiety over court proceedings had contributed to Dr Thompson’s anxiety and lack of concentration at the time of the crash.

The Mercury reported in March the Sandy Bay GP had been suspended for having a sexual relationship with a patient between 1996-97.

The Tasmanian Health Practitioners Tribunal suspended Dr Thompson from his profession for four months starting April 6 this year.

Mr Daly recorded a conviction and fined Dr Thompson $300. He was also ordered to pay court costs of $69.30.