Neurosurgeon Dr Timothy Steel has ban overturned
A world-renowned Sydney neurosurgeon is free to go back to work after being found not guilty of domestic violence offences.
NSW
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A world-renowned Sydney neurosurgeon is free to go back to work after being found not guilty of domestic violence offences.
The NSW Civil and Administrative Complaints Tribunal dismissed an appeal on Tuesday which Dr Timothy Robert Steel made against his ban on a point of law.
However, on Wednesday the Health Professional Councils Authority notified Dr Steel the practising suspension had been overturned anyway.
On December 14, 2019 Dr Steel was charged with assault occasioning bodily harm, common assault and destroying property less than $2000 after an altercation with his wife Emma Steel.
Downing Centre Local Court magistrate Vivien Swain dismissed the charges on July 2 after finding inconsistencies in Mrs Steel’s evidence.
Dr Steel was found not guilty of the charges.
Dr Steel’s lawyer Paul McGirr said his client was free to return to work.
“What we want to make clear and with the greatest respect to NCAT is that they were only determining a point of law with respect to the suspension. Unlike the medical council, they only had the untested allegation from Ms Steel,” Mr McGirr said.
“Once the matter was determined at Downing Centre Local Court and Dr Steel was found to be the witness of truth and having all charges and AVOs dismissed, the medical council have very fairly acted swiftly by immediately lifting his suspension.
“Although Dr Steel will appeal NCAT’s decision theoretically it makes it null and void.
“Dr Steel can’t wait to get back to doing what he does best as one of Australia’s best brain and neck surgeons. He’s back at work today and wants to put this sorry saga behind him.”
He said it was regretful the NCAT ruling published this week referred to claims of a “daily drinking patter” by Dr Steel.
‘With respect to NCAT, they were only there to determine whether the suspension was justified,” Mr McGirr said.