MUDIFORD PHARMACIST MARTIN ATKINSON STRUCK OFF OVER CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CASE IN LONDON

In a significant disciplinary action, Martin Atkinson, a pharmacist based in Mudeford, has been formally removed from the professional register following a detailed hearing held in London earlier this week. The case stems from his conviction at South East Hampshire Magistrates Court in April, where he was found guilty of possessing nearly 500 indecent images of children.

Martin Atkinson, who was registered as a self-employed locum pharmacist at Mude Haven Court in Mudeford, faced the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s disciplinary committee after his criminal conviction. The court proceedings revealed that Atkinson had committed 27 separate offences related to creating indecent photographs of a child, along with a single charge of possessing a total of 493 such images. As part of his sentencing, he was given concurrent three-year community rehabilitation orders for each offence, and he was also mandated to participate in a sex offenders group programme in Dorset.

Atkinson, formerly residing on Brook Avenue in New Milton, has since moved to Guildford amid ongoing divorce proceedings. His arrest and subsequent conviction were part of the extensive Operation Ore investigation, which targeted internet-based child pornography networks and individuals involved in viewing or distributing such material online.

During the hearing, Atkinson expressed remorse for his actions, stating, “I am deeply sorry it has come before the committee. I am mortified, very distraught and accept I brought the profession into disrepute.” His legal representative, Ralph Shipway, highlighted that Atkinson was undergoing treatment for alcoholism and had also managed to overcome his addiction to pornography. Mr. Shipway appealed to the committee to delay their decision, arguing that allowing Atkinson to continue his recovery would enable him to contribute positively to society and the pharmacy profession.

“These offences were committed by a sick pharmacist who happily now appears to be on the road to recovery,” Mr. Shipway said. “Here is a pharmacist who has much to offer in the form of a continuing contribution to the public and profession.”

However, the committee, led by Lord Fraser of Carmyllie QC, rejected this plea. The chairman emphasized the seriousness of the offences, which involved images of young girls as young as eight years old. “We cannot regard this conviction as anything other than very serious,” he stated. Despite this, Lord Fraser also indicated that the committee did not wish to permanently bar Atkinson from returning to the pharmaceutical field, suggesting that rehabilitation and future conduct would be considered in any subsequent decisions.