CHRISTOPHER LATTIMER FROM MARGATE AND WALLINGTON REGAINS MEDICAL LICENSE DESPITE CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES

In a case that has drawn significant attention, Dr. Christopher Lattimer, a 41-year-old surgeon with ties to Margate and Wallington, has been granted permission to resume his medical practice after a series of serious allegations and legal proceedings related to child pornography.

Back in 2003, Lattimer, who was employed as a consultant vascular surgeon at the Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother Hospital in Margate, was found to have downloaded approximately 50 indecent images of children from the internet while under the influence of alcohol. This revelation led to his immediate dismissal from his position, marking a significant blow to his professional career.

Despite the gravity of his actions, Lattimer narrowly avoided being struck off the medical register. The General Medical Council (GMC) suspended him for a period of nine months last August, a decision that reflected the seriousness with which the medical regulatory body viewed his misconduct.

His involvement in the case was further uncovered through Operation Ore, an international investigation targeting individuals involved in the distribution and possession of child abuse images. During this operation, authorities tracked down Lattimer in Wallington, Surrey, leading to his arrest and subsequent legal proceedings.

In January of the following year, Lattimer faced formal charges, admitting to ten counts of creating indecent photographs of children. As part of his sentencing, he was subjected to a 36-month rehabilitation order, emphasizing the importance of ongoing treatment and monitoring.

Recently, Lattimer appeared before the GMC again, where he sought to return to his medical duties. The panel overseeing his case considered his efforts to rehabilitate and stay current with medical knowledge, noting his attendance at various lectures and conferences. Ultimately, they decided to allow him to resume work, but with strict conditions.

Among these conditions, Lattimer is required to undergo random alcohol testing and is prohibited from treating children under the age of 16 for the next two years. Additionally, he must attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and be supervised by a consultant psychiatrist to ensure compliance and address any ongoing issues.

Committee chairman John Shaw emphasized that, despite the seriousness of the charges, it would be disproportionate to extend the suspension further, given Lattimer’s demonstrated efforts to rehabilitate. The decision reflects a cautious approach, balancing the need for public safety with the possibility of reintegration into the medical profession under strict supervision.