News

A solicitor has been struck off after leaving women owing thousands in legal costs after their sex assault claims against disgraced Shepway surgeon Rodney Ledward were dismissed.

Jane Loveday, whose last known address was in Deal and is now believed to be living abroad, was found guilty of misconduct and ordered to pay £20,000 at a tribunal, at which she was not present and not represented.

The tribunal heard written evidence which said the lawyer altered a statement to include a serious allegation against Mr Ledward,  falsely claimed earlier cases were successful, and issued legal bills after saying costs would be covered.

A string of allegations were found proved by the panel, which also heard Mrs Loveday was receiving treatment from a consultant psychiatrist.

Panel chairwoman Jane Martineau described the "totality" of Mrs Loveday's actions as "reckless".

She had more than 50 clients who said they were assaulted by Mr Ledward.

The consultant gynaecologist was struck off by the General Medical Council in 1998 after being found guilty of bungling 13 operations.

He died two years later, at the age of 62.