Bankrupt GP chooses not to give evidence at trial over allegations he made a false statement

A Fylde GP is on trial accused of making a false statement in relation to his bankruptcy claim.
Dr Kevin RossDr Kevin Ross
Dr Kevin Ross

It is alleged Doctor Kevin Ross lied about the number of hours he was working each week while giving a statement to the official receivers in relation to insolvency in September 2014.

He denies a charge of knowingly and wilfully making a false declaration, but did not take the opportunity to give further evidence at Preston's Sessions House Court.

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The court heard there are "real obligations" placed on those declaring bankruptcy and a duty to be "full and frank" so the official receivers can make proper enquiries and properly scrutinise the information, so the circumstances can be properly understood.

Dr Kevin RossDr Kevin Ross
Dr Kevin Ross

The 45-year-old, of Oxford Road, St Annes, signed a record of an interview with insolvency practitioners declaring he worked eight hours a week, earning around £800 a month - saying this was the minimum required to maintain his professional status.

Prosecutors say he indicated the information was "true to the best of his knowledge and belief" and signed a declaration under the perjury act, but subsequent timesheet records showed he worked 124 hours in August 2014 and 176 hours in September 2014.

Prosecuting, Louise Cowan said: "So the statement he was working one shift a week, a shift of eight hours, is palpably untrue.

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"Kevin Ross is a doctor. He must understand the importance of the careful analysis of documents and he had signed the note following the interview as a true and accurate record of that interview. "He knew the significance of that statement. He was given time to consider, correct it, amend it - but he has signed it as being true and accurate."

Defending, Bruce Stuart said: " This case is based on a complete misconception of what the law actually is."

He suggested an insolvency worker who gave evidence in the trial was not credible because she didn't have a clear recollection of his interview.

Jurors are expected to retire on Friday to consider their verdict.

(proceeding)