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Poison abortion bid doctor guilty | Poison abortion bid doctor guilty |
(10 minutes later) | |
A doctor has been found guilty of poisoning his lover in a failed attempt to induce an abortion. | A doctor has been found guilty of poisoning his lover in a failed attempt to induce an abortion. |
Dr Edward Erin, 44, of west London, spiked the drinks of Bella Prowse, 33, after she became pregnant but refused a termination, the Old Bailey heard. | |
The married father-of-two, who worked at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, west London, had denied administering poison to procure a miscarriage. | |
Ms Prowse gave birth to a healthy baby in September 2008. | |
The jury found Erin guilty of two charges of attempting to administer poison - once in a cup of coffee from Starbucks and then in a glass of orange juice. | The jury found Erin guilty of two charges of attempting to administer poison - once in a cup of coffee from Starbucks and then in a glass of orange juice. |
But Erin was found not guilty on another charge of spiking a cup of tea given to Ms Prowse as the jury could not reach a decision. | But Erin was found not guilty on another charge of spiking a cup of tea given to Ms Prowse as the jury could not reach a decision. |
Judge Richard Hone told Erin: "A custodial sentence is virtually inevitable." | Judge Richard Hone told Erin: "A custodial sentence is virtually inevitable." |
Bella Prowse thanked friends and family for their support | |
Ms Prowse cried as the guilty verdict was announced while her friends clapped. | |
Erin did not show any emotion as he was taken away. | Erin did not show any emotion as he was taken away. |
Ms Prowse said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Metropolitan Police Service and Crown Prosecution Service. | |
"I am especially grateful for the support of my friends, family and daughter during this very difficult time." | |
Det Ch Insp Mickey Gallagher said: "Edward Erin has been a medical professional for over 20 years, yet having failed to persuade his girlfriend to have an abortion he abused his profession and position of trust and used his medical knowledge to try and bring on a miscarriage. | |
"This case is only the second of its type to be brought before the courts in 40 years. | |
"Thankfully, Erin failed in his attempts and Bella has a healthy child." |