The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 278 No 7458 p758
30 June 2007

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“Iron bar pharmacist” remanded in custody

Suspended pharmacist Samuel Edwin Ashby, who attacked a member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's staff at a Statutory Committee hearing on 25 October last year, has been jailed (PJ, 21 April, p446).

Mr Ashby attacked the Society’s then interim head of professional conduct, Desmond Fitzpatrick, with a 10-inch iron bar leaving him with a head wound that required seven stitches. He launched the attack after being told that he was to be struck off the Register of Pharmacists because of his aggressive behaviour.

Inner London Crown Court judge Quentin Campbell remanded Mr Ashby in custody on 18 June, saying that he had still to decide whether his imprisonment would be for an extended term.

Mr Ashby has appealed against being struck off but, under powers given to the Society in the Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians Order 2007, his registration is currently suspended as a result of further disciplinary proceedings brought against him after the attack.