An expert in drug addiction who is viewed by some as a pioneer in his field has been struck off by the UK General Medical Council after a case lasting almost three years (BMJ 2004;328:483).

Colin Brewer, the former medical director of the private Stapleford Centre Addiction Treatment Clinic, was the only one of seven doctors from the clinic to lose his right to practise.

Two other doctors from the clinic were also found guilty of serious professional misconduct. Ronald Tovey had conditions imposed on his registration, and Hugh Kindness received a reprimand. Charges against four other doctors from the clinic were found not proved in …