A solicitor who left clients owing thousands in costs after a group damages claim against former gynaecologist Dr Rodney Ledward collapsed was struck off today.

Jane Loveday represented more than 50 women who claim they had been sexually assaulted by the consultant gynaecologist, who was barred from practicing medicine in 1998.

A subsequent claim for damages brought against Dr Ledward’s former NHS trust, spearheaded by Mrs Loveday, was dropped in 2004 after legal aid was withdrawn, a solicitor’s disciplinary tribunal was told.

The tribunal also heard how some of Mrs Loveday’s clients had to pay up to £10,000 towards the costs of the case despite being told they would face no legal bills.

Mrs Loveday, who was today banned from practicing law and ordered to pay £20,000 in costs, was not present or represented at the hearing.

The tribunal chairman was told there was no evidence to say she was not well enough to participate, although the tribunal was told she had been receiving treatment from a psychiatrist.

Speaking following the hearing this afternoon, one of Mrs Loveday’s former clients, Alison Chapman, said: “I’m totally elated justice has been served but it doesn’t put an end to the torture and trauma she’s left behind.”

Several women died or were seriously injured followed botched operations by Dr Ledward, who referred to himself as “the fastest gynaecologist in the South East".

Police were investigating manslaughter charges against him when he died from pancreatic cancer in October 2000. The criminal case was subsequently dropped.

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