Dr Kerr
A PUBLIC petition has been launched to clear the name of an Altnagelvin doctor who was convicted of assaulting police – while she was drugged with the date rape narcotic rohypnol.
A judge in Derry told Dr Eireann Kerr that the spiking of her drink was not a defence in law and gave her a two month conditional discharge.
The case has caused widespread controversy.
Dr Kerr does not remember anything about what happened at the Christmas Party in December 2013, saying she was horrified when shown CCTV footage from Strand Road barracks.
She has said she is just grateful that the stranger who spiked her drink never got to carry out his plans.
Dr John Doherty, a consultant anaesthetist who has previously worked with Dr Kerr, has launched a petition calling for the conviction to be quashed.
In his petition Dr Doherty said: “Dr Eireann Kerr was the victim of a crime on the 13th December 2013 when her drink was spiked with a Date Rape type drug. She has been subsequently prosecuted for actions which occurred as a result of her involuntary intoxication. Despite the court finding that Eireann was not responsible for her actions, she did not have a defence in law and was convicted.
“Despite being the victim of a crime and being dragged through the courts with resultant public humiliation, in is a testament that Erieann has continued to practice as an anaesthetist and has excelled treating the public with care, consideration and compassion.
“In the face of adversity and negative publicity associated with the prosecution she has continued with her professional development as a medical doctor and succeeded in passing her professional exams.
“Dr Kerr has been convicted of the offences despite being the victim in this case. Because of this unmerited conviction, Eireann has a criminal record and faces possible sanctions from the GMC which could affect her ability to practice as a doctor.
“It is grossly unfair that Eireann should face any charges, as she is the obvious victim here. It is not in the public interest that victims of Date Rape type drug intoxication should be prosecuted and have their careers destroyed through no fault of their own.
“I am appealing for your united and unanimous support for Eireann.”
You can sign the petition here:
https://www.change.org/p/public-prosecution-service-drop-the-case-against-dr-eireann-kerr
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