Surgeon cleared of DV rap

A World-renowned Sydney brain surgeon is looking forward to getting back to “what he does best” after being acquitted of bashing his wife.

St Vincent’s Hospital head of neurosurgery Dr Timothy Steel was accused of drunkenly punching, kicking and ripping out the hair extensions of his wife Emma.

Yesterday the 56-year-old was found not guilty at Downing Centre Court. Magistrate Vivien Swain ruled there were inconsistencies in the accounts given by his wife.

“Self-defence has been properly raised and accepted,” she said. “I’ve also taken into account the character of the accused.”

The millionaire doctor’s lawyer said there were no winners because the scandal had “devastated his family”.

“His wife was not found to be a credible witness and, of course, Dr Steel was. He’s maintained his innocence and fortunately today justice was delivered,” Paul Mcgirr said outside court.

“He just looks forward to getting back to do what he does best as one of Australia’s top brain and spinal surgeons.”

The court heard that in December 2019 Mrs Steel told police she was “petrified” when her husband turned violent after returning home drunk from his work Christmas party at 6am on December 14.

But Dr Steel, who was suspended from practising when the allegations came to light in February, claimed he was attacked in his bed by his furious partner who suspected him to be cheating with his secretary.