Doctor Tried 'Aborting' Own Child

A married doctor has been found guilty of attempting to abort his own child by giving his girlfriend a poison hidden in two drinks he had given her.

Dr Edward Erin, 44, of Gratton Road, Kensington was convicted this week of attempting to administer poison with intent to procure a miscarriage, contrary to section 1 (1) Criminal Attempts Act 1977 on 7 and 8 February 2008.

Erin, a married father of two, was found guilty at the Old Bailey after the jury heard how he tried to cause his girlfriend to miscarry their child after she refused to have an abortion.

Lambeth police were contacted by Bella Prowse, Erin's 32-year old girlfriend on Friday 8 February 2008 after she became concerned about a mysterious powder that she found in two drinks that Erin had given to her, after she informed him that she was pregnant with his child.

On Thursday 7 February, the couple met at a Starbucks coffee shop in Paddington Railway station where Erin had already purchased drinks having phoned previously to ask what Bella would like. It was immediately apparent that the lid had been removed and replaced, so when she got the opportunity, Bella transferred the contents into a bottle. The contents of the coffee were examined and found to include Diclofenac and Methotrexate.

Erin's next attempt on Friday 8 February 2008 occurred at their place of work when he offered Bella a bottle of orange juice. Noticing that the seal had already been broken and that the liquid contained a powdery substance, Bella chose not to drink the juice. Traces of Diclofenac were found in the liquid.

Later that day Bella attended Streatham police station with a cup and liquids that she had preserved and reported her suspicions to officers.

As a result of investigations and forensic tests, Erin was arrested at the Royal Brompton Hospital on Thursday 14 February. A search of Erin's residential address led to the discovery of the medication including traces on a pestle and mortar.

A further search of Erin's office resulted in the seizure of numerous tablets and powdered substances.

Erin was re-interviewed on Friday 28 March. He was charged in October 2008.

Detective Chief Inspector Mickey Gallagher, said: "Edward Erin is a consultant physician, pharmacologist and honorary senior lecturer. He has been a medical professional for over 20 years, yet having failed to persuade his girlfriend, Bella Prowse, to have an abortion, he has abused his profession and position of trust and used his medical knowledge to try and bring on a miscarriage.

"This was not a morality trial, but the nature of this case in unusual in that it is only the second of it type to be brought before the courts in the last 40 years. Erin has been judged on evidence and the jury have applied good sense and fairness. I would like to state that this prosecution has been brought on behalf of Bella Prowse and my thoughts are with her at this time.

"Thankfully, Erin failed in his attempts and Bella has a healthy child."

Bella Prowse, said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Metropolitan Police Service and Crown Prosecution Service.

"I am especially grateful for the support of my friends, family and daughter during this very difficult time."

(BMcC/KMcA)