The findings of fact reveal many deficiencies in the standard of care you provided to patients as well as unprofessional and dishonest behaviour

Professor Ken Hobbs, GMC professional conduct committee

Former patients told the GMC how they were left in agonising pain, unable to have children and with permanent injury after being treated by Mr Neale.

When confronted by women concerned about their complications and problems, he was rude and flew into screaming rages.

One patient, Sheila Wright-Hogeland, who was suffering from a serious medical condition, told how Mr Neale dismissed her fears, and said that women should expect to experience gynaecological pain.

Struck off in Canada

Women protest at the fact Mr Neale was allowed to practise in the UK

Mr Neale, from Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, was struck off the medical register in Canada in 1985 following the death of two of his patients.

But he was subsequently allowed to work in the UK, and practised for ten years at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, until 1995.

When concern was raised about his performance, he was given �100,000 severance pay by the hospital, and a clean reference.

Mr Neale went on to work in Leicester, London and the Isle of Wight.

As a committed Christian, I went into medicine and became a surgeon, not to cause pain and suffering but to alleviate it wherever possible.

Mr Richard Neale

Giving evidence in his defence, Mr Neale told the GMC that his reputation had been unfairly destroyed by the media, and accused two patients of waging a hate campaign against him.

He said the 10 cases where patients had suffered surgical complications should be viewed against his total workload of about 12,000 cases.

Following the GMC verdict, the Medical Protection Society issued a statement on Mr Neale's behalf.

It said: "My life and career are now in ruins.

"I would like to apologise fully and unreservedly to those patients whose cases have been the subject of this hearing.

"I am very sorry for the physical and psychological suffering they and their families have endured. It is a tragedy not just for them but for me also.

"However, I hope that the public will accept that, as a committed Christian, I went into medicine and became a surgeon, not to cause pain and suffering but to alleviate it wherever possible."

Criminal investigation

Sheila Wright-Hogeland was mistreated by Mr Neale

Mr Neale is now under investigation by Yorkshire police, who are examining patient records to assess whether his conduct amounts to criminal negligence.

Canadian authorities are also considering charges, for which he could be extradited.

Mike Stone, director of the Patients Association, said he was "delighted" by the GMC decision.

"Certainly in our view he should not be allowed to practise again. This is a catalogue of disaster which should not have happened in the first place bearing in mind the history of the guy in Canada."

Mr Stone said the case was the latest in a long line which called into question the judgement of the GMC. He called for ministers to implement sweeping reforms, including introducing a majority of lay members on disciplinary panels.

Under new measures, introduced last week any doctor erased from the medical register will not be allowed to practise for a minimum of five years.

Previously, doctors were allowed to apply to be restored to the register after just 10 months.