Physiotherapist struck off for child pornography convictions

Physiotherapist Anthony J Donoghue has been struck off the HCPC Register for child pornography convictions at Maidstone Crown Court.

A panel of the HCPC Conduct and Competence Committee heard that Anthony J Donoghue pleaded guilty on 6 March 2013 to two counts of possessing indecent photographs of a child, two counts of making indecent photographs of a child, one count of distributing indecent photographs of a child, and one count of possessing an extreme pornographic image.

The Panel further heard that Anthony J Donoghue was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment, made subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for a period of ten years, with notification requirements for the same period, and was disqualified from working with children.

Panel Chair Clare Reggiori commented: “Such offences involve the exploitation, victimisation and re-victimisation of children. The number and type of offences indicates a systematic course of conduct. They are very serious offences.

“The registrant’s conduct falls far below the required standards of his profession, demonstrates a complete lack of probity and integrity, and is such as to bring his profession into disrepute. The Panel has no doubt that public confidence in the profession and in the regulator would be undermined if a finding of impairment were not made.”

The Panel decided the most appropriate action was to strike Anthony J Donoghue from the Register with an Interim Suspension Order in place to cover the appeal period.

Anthony J Donoghue was not present or represented at the hearing.