Doctor to complete unpaid work order for drug offences

COURT: Woman admitted supplying drugs to medic and another man

A doctor acquitted of killing a friend by giving her a cocktail of painkillers, but convicted of drug offences, has been given a community service order.

Katy McAllister, 31, was found not guilty of causing the death of Louise McGowan in Dundee in May 2015.

She pleaded guilty to supplying a fellow medic with diazepam pills, and tablets, including Temazepam, to another man.

At the High Court in Glasgow Judge Graham Buchanan QC ordered her to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.

The court was told McAllister, of Seafield Close, Dundee, will be investigated by the General Medical Council (GMC).

The new mother was suspended by NHS Tayside, but is currently on “unpaid maternity leave”.

McAllister pleaded guilty to supplying fellow doctor Richard Bowditch with diazepam between July 2014 and March 2015.

She also admitted giving the same drug, as well as a Temazepam pill, to John Mundy between November 2014 and May 2015.

McAllister also possessed £10 of magic mushrooms at her home as well as a small amount of the drug Midazolam in May 2015.

The Crown had alleged the drugs taken by Mrs McGowan caused her to suffer a cardiac arrest which in turn led to her losing her life.

When Mrs McGowan became ill, McAllister had tried to resuscitate her but the attempts failed.

It had been said she was worried about getting a tattoo and had sought pain management advice from her doctor friend.

Mark Stewart, defending, said the GMC will conduct an investigation while NHS Tayside will decide “what their position is”.

Mr Stewart said: “She is someone held in high regard.

“That demonstrates, in the whole, we are dealing with a person who is a useful member of society.”

Katy McAllister will carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.