DOCTOR FACES DRUG DEATHS INQUIRY

A 50-YEAR-OLD GP has been arrested in Carlisle on suspicion of manslaughter
by detectives investigating the deaths of five drug addicts who overdosed
on the heroin substitute methadone.

Dr John Gordon, a partner in a group practice in the centre of the city,
was questioned for 12 hours by police whose inquiry centres on alleged
medical negligence in prescribing incorrect doses of the drug. Dr Gordon
treated addicts regularly as part of a "shared care" scheme between GPs and
hospital services.

Detectives have warned at least two families that they are awaiting the
results of forensic tests before deciding whether to press for exhumations.

The inquiry, which comes three weeks after the dramatic conclusion of Dr
Harold Shipman's trial, has shocked people in the city where Dr Gordon,
often dressed casually, is a well known figure.

Dr Gordon, who was released on police bail, has not been suspended by North
Cumbria Health Authority. He has, however, agreed to stay away from his
Warwick Road practice while inquiries are continuing.

Cumbria police say he was arrested because of detectives' suspicions about
the dosages of methadone prescribed to five young men who have died since
January last year. The authority, which has referred the matter to the
General Medical Council, insisted there was no suggestion of deliberate
intention to kill, but that the investigation centred on alleged
negligence.

One of the alleged victims was Michael Kirkpatrick, 19, who died at his
bedsit south of the city centre last May. An inquest heard that he had
taken a methadone overdose.

His family refused to comment last night. Ian Morton, the coroner,
described the death as a "tragic waste of a young life" after hearing that
the unemployed teenager had mistakenly taken an overdose of the heroin
substitute, which he was being prescribed. He recorded a verdict of
accidental death.

Tracy Wilkinson, his girlfriend, said she found him dead on May 23. They
had both been taking methadone in an effort to come off heroin. A police
officer said he found a variety of drug-taking paraphernalia, including a
syringe, on the bedside cabinet.

Police are looking at the deaths of at least four others from methadone
overdoses dating back to January 1, 1999.

They insisted last night that there were no similarities between the case
and that of Shipman, who was jailed in Preston for murdering 15 of his
patients.

The current case refers to medical negligence, not wilful intent, said a
police spokesman. Detective Chief Inspector Peter Kirkbridge, heading the
inquiry, said: "Forensic tests will be important in this investigation. We
are considering the exhumation of possibly two bodies."