A FAMILY doctor from Newport, struck off for swindling cash from the benefit books of dead patients, is celebrating today after being reinstated as a doctor.

Dr Madhup Mehrotra, of Penny Crescent, Malpas, begged to be allowed back on the medical register, promising not to return to single- handed practice and to continue his re-training.

Dr Mehrotra was jailed for three years in October 1995 for cashing benefit books of patients who had died.

A jury found he obtained nearly £150,000 cashing the books of patients who died at Castledene nursing home, where he was a director.

Yesterday the sobbing GP hugged his wife after a professional conduct committee of the General Medical Council found in his favour.

Mrs Sheila Hewitt, chairing the panel, said there was no evidence the doctor was in any way deficient before he was struck off.

"There is considerable evidence from the third-party interviews that you had done as much as possible to maintain your knowledge base and clinical competencies," she said.

"There is evidence that you have gained the support of several experienced clinicians and medical educators who clearly believe you would be an asset to general practice."

But she said there was "significant evidence" of inadequate skills, but it was accepted these could be attributed to his absence from active medical work.

Mrs Hewitt said assessors also believed the doctor should make a "gradual" resumption of the responsibility of patient care "and ongoing monitoring and assessment".

It was also recommended the doctor undertake a minimum of six months of advanced training.

Mrs Hewitt said: "The committee has been very impressed with evidence of your good character.

"The committee has also considered favourably your constructive work in the community, with the Samaritans and with prison visits."

And she concluded: "The committee is satisfied that you have demonstrated remorse in the behaviour that led to your erasure, and that you are now deeply committed to make every effort to return to general practice and to provide a high level of care to your patients."