Boxer ‘did not meet criteria for CT scan’

An accident and emergency consultant said boxer Mike Towell did not meet the criteria for a CT scan when he came in with a headache weeks before he died, a fatal accident inquiry heard.

Dr Elizabeth Skelly said the 25-year-old “looked well” when he asked for a scan at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, on September 11 2016.

Initial notes taken by someone else said he had suffered headaches for three weeks and Dr Skelly said she was going to refer him elsewhere for treatment.

She told the hearing: “I didn’t feel that there was any criteria for an emergency CT scan at that time”.

The A&E consultant gave evidence at the probe into the boxer’s death at Glasgow Sheriff Court yesterday.

Procurator fiscal depute Eileen Beadsworth asked: “Was there anything noteworthy about his demeanour?”

Dr Skelly said: “No, he looked very well.”

She said that after hearing he had been hit on the head she deemed him unsuitable to be redirected and took him for a full neurological examination.

She was asked: “On the basis of your clinical examination you undertook, was there anything concerning in relation to Mr Towell?”

Dr Skelly replied: “No.” The inquiry before Sheriff Principal Craig Turnbull continues.