A Fine Gael senator has suggested that the body of disgraced gynaecologist, Rodney Ledward, be exhumed after a fresh claim that he faked his death.
The doctor, who is accused of indecent assaults on dozens of former patients in Britain, apparently died of cancer in October 2000. He lived in Dromahane, near Mallow, Co Cork and was buried locally.
However, a retired detective who was involved in the investigation into claims against Mr Ledward, has told a television documentary that he saw the former doctor, who was dubbed "the butcher", in Spain in 2001.
Mallow-based Senator Paul Bradford said yesterday it would be best to dispel any doubt by exhuming the body and identifying it."It would at least offer peace of mind for the people who suffered at his hands," Mr Bradford said.
"I know that he was hospitalised for a time when he fell ill and was buried near Mallow. Everyone in the health service is adamant that it was him. But if there is any doubt, then it should be dispelled."
Mr Bradford said relevant details such as a death certificate had been double-checked by health authorities when the detective's claims were originally aired. The surgeon was struck off the medical register following a large number of claims of indecent assault and unnecessary operations, including hysterectomies. Just last week a class action from 42 women patients who say they were victims of his collapsed before it could reach the High Court.
The case was withdrawn after a cap on the legal aid meant that plaintiffs did not have enough funds to take the case. Britain's National Health Service was facing a claim of compensation for hundreds of thousands of pounds. The women were suing his former employers Kent and Medway Health Authority and East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust. They contested the claims.
Mr Ledward moved to Dromahane in January 1999, where he bought a newly-built house on the outskirts of the village. He was buried at St Gobnait's Cemetery, Mallow.
