Flying vet is struck off (From Penarth Times)

Flying vet is struck off

VALE flying vet Maurice Kirk has been struck off after a disciplinary hearing in London.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons yesterday ordered Mr Kirk's name be removed from the register, leaving him unable to practise unless he appeals.

Immediately after the decision Mr Kirk, of The Marlpits, St Donat's, Llantwit Major, who practices at the Barry Veterinary Hospital in Tynewydd Road, said an appeal would go ahead.

The hearing heard Mr Kirk had been arrested on more than 120 occasions but released more than 100 times after charges against him had been dismissed.

Defending himself, he said he was once a drinking buddy of the late actor and hellraiser Oliver Reed and has in the past been convicted of air traffic offences when flying his private plane. He also has ten driving convictions.

In the case before the Royal College, it was alleged that he brought the profession into disrepute and showed "disregard for public interest and civil obligations".

In one case, Mr Kirk was said to have become aggressive and angry to members of the public when called to treat an injured dog at Cold Knap beach on January 7, 2001. He was also said to have shouted abuse about members of the RSPCA.

Another allegation was one that he was found to be smelling of alcohol when attending a case. Mr Kirk argued he had been using surgical spirit prior to the call out.

"The car may have smelled of alcohol. I did not smell of alcohol. There was no question of me being drunk," he said.

Chairman Brian Jennings referred to two previous occasions when Mr Kirk had been warned as to his future conduct.

On one occasion in1998 in which Mr Kirk was again facing misconduct allegations, which were proved, the chairman said: "Your conduct has brought your chosen profession into the gravest disrepute. Your prospects of being able to remain a member of this profession depend upon your behaviour hereafter."

It was against this background that yesterday's committee decided Mr Kirk should be struck off.

Mr Kirk confirmed his intention to appeal saying he had been the victim of a conspiracy by "self important lawyers".

Throughout the hearing his campervan had been parked outside plastered with slogans including "Ever trusted a lawyer?" and "Corruption and conspiracy in our courts".

Leaving the college, Mr Kirk said he still held a pilot's licence and was hoping to complete a round the world flight "once all this fuss has died down".