Northern Ireland

Man who lost driving licence 'after brain tumour misdiagnosis' is fined for driving offences

Consultant neurologist Dr Michael Watt was based at Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital
Consultant neurologist Dr Michael Watt was based at Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital Consultant neurologist Dr Michael Watt was based at Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital

A MAN disqualified from driving has told a court he lost his licence after being misdiagnosed by neurology consultant Dr Michael Watt.

Mark Givens (24) of Condiere Avenue, Ballymena claimed he was told he had a malignant brain tumour and was terminally ill, "but it turned out to be a cyst".

He was detected driving without insurance, MoT or learner plates displayed on May 23 at Dromore Road, Hillsborough.

The court was told his licence was revoked as a result of the diagnosis, but following a medical review it is being restored.

Mr Givens said he reacted very badly to the diagnosis and "went off the rails" for a time.

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Representing himself at Lisburn Magistrates Court on Wednesday, Mr Givens accepted the charges and on being asked to hand in his driving licence explained the circumstances as to why he could not.

"My licence was taken back on medical grounds, but I was misdiagnosed. The decision was reversed and I'm waiting my licence back since July. It is being restored," he said.

"I was under Dr Watt at the RVH and he told me I had a malignant brain tumour and was terminally ill. But it turned out to be a cyst."

Thousands of neurology patients have been recalled, according to the Department of Health, following an independent review of consultant neurologist Dr Michael Watt's work.

Concerns about potential misdiagnoses of Dr Watt's patients were formally raised in December 2016 by a GP.

This week, it was confirmed that a further 1,044 people will be recalled.

At the time of detection Mr Givens said his mental health was badly affected by what he understood to be a tragic and frightening condition.

"On the back of that, I was all over the place in my mental health. I went off the rails. I have now been diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety as a result," he said.

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The judge expressed concerns on the trauma suffered, but pointed out the defendant should not have been on the road at the time, which he fully accepted.

Fines totalling £300 were imposed along with a six month driving disqualification.