Sheriff raps consultant's 'arrogant' evidence at inquiry

Published on Thursday 30 July 2009 22:13

A SHERIFF has branded evidence given by a retired consultant at an inquiry into a teenager's death as "arrogant and ill-considered".

Sheriff John Horsburgh criticised Dr Robert Wrate and another retired consultant, Dr Ian Berg, at a fatal accident inquiry for Danielle Scott, 17, who died after she was given the heroin substitute methadone.

Ms Scott had behavioural problems from an early age and was in the care of Howdenhall Young Persons Unit in Edinburgh, but had absconded when she took the drug in February 2005.

Peter Meaney was jailed for culpable homicide, after admitting he gave the Glasgow teenager alcohol and methadone.

Mr Horsburgh said the two doctors – who said they thought Ms Scott had been suffering from undiagnosed bipolar disorder – were inclined to place too much significance on the girl's reported statements and on the family history, "without critical examination".

In his written determination, published yesterday after an inquiry lasting 42 days, the sheriff said Dr Wrate's report had been "carelessly produced" and he was "inclined to speculation".

He said: "He (Dr Wrate] made pejorative comments and offered dismissive criticisms of the other clinicians. I flatly reject his arrogant and ill-considered assertion that all those who treated Danielle in life … had insufficient familiarity with bipolar disorder in adolescence to be able to recognise it."

He added Dr Berg's opinions seemed to be expressed with a "certain lack of certainty".

Mr Horsburgh said members of Ms Scott's family "encouraged her to think she was mentally ill" and became over-involved in her treatment, to the extent of hindering plans for her care.

He said the care Ms Scott received from the various doctors she encountered had been "entirely appropriate".