Speakers: Ben Rich (2 Hare Court) and Chris Gillespie (2 Hare Court)
Chair: Lauren Griffiths (MDDUS)
This remote seminar will address:
- Winning appeals on the facts: Hindle v NMC – Ben Rich will speak on this case, one of the rare occasions on which the High Court overturned the factual findings of a fitness to practise panel. The judge felt that the panel failed to make an overarching assessment of the credibility of the witnesses before considering each charge separately. That might sound like a contradiction to the warning in the case of Dutta against relying on witness demeanour. Ben will analyse how the Judge squared that circle and what opportunities it might provide for future appeals.
- The consequences of admitting evidence through the wrong gateway: PSA v GMC and Anor [2025] EWHC 318 (Admin) –The High Court restarted the principles to be applied by regulatory tribunals when considering the issue of cross-admissibility. Chris Gillespie will speak on this case, analysing the High Court’s decision that clarified the test of cross-admissibility of evidence.
Ben Rich (2 Hare Court) is ranked in Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners as a leading junior in the fields of Professional Discipline and Inquests & Inquiries. Ben practises in Professional Discipline and Inquests from 2 Hare Court. His clients include professionals and regulators – doctors, dentists, opticians, surveyors police and acupuncturists among them.
Chris Gillespie (2 Hare Court) practises in Professional Discipline, primarily for the defence and is instructed to represent doctors and dentists before the MPTS and GDC, and to represent the interests of doctors at inquests. He is also instructed to present cases for the GOsC and has in the past been instructed by GOC, GPhC and RCVS. He has appeared for the NMC in the Divisional Court.
Chris also represents corporate and individual defendants in criminal regulatory cases brought by the HSE, EA and local authorities and at inquests.
Chris has a substantial advisory practice with a focus on gambling and licensing matters.
Lauren Griffiths is a Lawyer at the Medical and Defence Union of Scotland, and practices in professional regulation and disciplinary matters, coroner’s inquests, and clinical negligence. She previously worked as a lawyer at the General Dental Council.