Mohammed Inayat, 39, from Southdown Road, Eastbourne, was suspended for six months when he appeared before the General Medical Council in October last year.

Adisciplinary hearing was told that he had pursued an attractive travel and music executive for five months while he counselled her for depression in 1996 and 1997.

The GMC found Dr Inayat, a married father of two who practised at Grove House, Eastbourne, guilty of serious professional misconduct.

Asking to be allowed to resume practise yesterday, he admitted he had caused distress to the victim and had let himself and his family down.

Dr Mathew Lohn, for the council, told the hearing that Dr Inayat tried to seduce a 42-year-old divorcee over meals at a Little Chef restaurant and over tea at the Grand Hotel in Eastbourne while he counselled her.

He had bombarded her with telephone calls, kissed her on the cheek after consultations and "touched her inappropriately".

She told the original hearing that the doctor's attempted seduction left her feeling "sick, used, shocked and horrified".

Addressing the committee, Dr Inayat said that he had already apologised for his actions and wanted "to make the same apology in a strong a way as possible".

His six-month suspension had meant that he and his wife had spent £5,000 of their savings and the ban has affected his home life considerably.

Announcing the decision to allow him to resume unrestricted practise on May 4, the council said: "We took a grave view of your conduct by pursuing an improper relationship with a vulnerable patient.

"The committee have noted your expression of regret, the steps you have taken to attend courses and to seek counselling and have determined that it is not necessary for them to make any further directions."

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