A SENIOR pathologist whose research challenges “shaken baby syndrome” begins a disciplinary hearing this week.
, a consultant at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, UK, has identified innocent causes for a so-called “triad” of symptoms previously thought to be caused solely by abuse. She has appeared as an expert witness in several court cases involving alleged abuse.
Squier has now been charged by the UK General Medical Council, charged with giving evidence outside her field of expertise, failing to be objective, and failing to pay “due regard to the views of other experts”.
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The GMC would not disclose its reasons for pursuing the case against Squier but other pathologists have described it as a “witch hunt” aimed at preventing her from being an expert witness in the future.
Controversy over the validity of the triad remains. The hearing is expected to last six months.
This article appeared in print under the headline “Trial expert accused”
Article amended on 7 October 2015
Correction:��This article has been changed to make it clear that the UK General Medical Council is bringing the charges, not ruling on them, which is done by the��UK Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service.
