Suspension order for OO is set to continue

A General Optical Council (GOC) fitness to practise committee reviewing an interim order for suspension of optometrist Peter Michael Colbear made in July 2008 has concluded that his suspension should continue and the order be reviewed within six months.

Colbear had been suspended after an allegation that he had either downloaded or had access to child pornography at his workplace. At the recent hearing it emerged that he had been convicted of 14 counts of making indecent photographs of children and one count of having an indecent photograph at Basildon Crown Court on February 13 2009.

During the hearing the committee noted that Colbear pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and that there was no suggestion of distribution of the images.