GP accused of running child-stealing ring loses bid to return to practice
Lifting Dr William Russell Pridgeon's emergency suspension could undermine confidence in the medical profession, a tribunal has ruled
A GP facing child-stealing charges after allegedly helping mothers to hide their children in violation of family court orders has lost a bid to return to practise while he awaits criminal trial.
Dr William Russell Pridgeon was suspended under emergency powers in October 2018 when he was arrested by the Australian Federal Police.
In a case that made national headlines, the GP from Grafton, on the NSW north coast, was accused of helping a mother kidnap her twin seven-year-old daughters from their father, who had legal custody.
Dr Pridgeon also helped a Grafton woman flee with her grandson, who alleged he was being abused by his father.
