THE behaviour of a former Lytham anaesthetist who stalked a female colleague for three years was "out of character" a General Medical Council inquiry heard.

And the inquiry committee ruled that Dr Michael Dale, formerly of West Beach, Lytham, was now free to return to unconditional practice.

Dr Dale, now of Wain Well Mews, Lincoln, had conditions imposed on him by the GMC after stalking a female nurse in 1998.

But on the GMC inquiry decided that these conditions -- that the 48-year-old must be examined by a psychiatrist and notify his employers of the GMC proceedings -- had been fully satisfied.

The Edinburgh-trained anaesthetist was given a conditional discharge by Preston magistrates in March 1998 after he was found guilty on two counts of stalking.

The case concerned 23-year-old Chantel Airey, a midwifery student based at Sharoe Green Hospital near Preston, and her fiance Dr Andrew Weatherburn of Abba Lodge, Bell Tower Park, Berwick upon Tweed.

Dr Dale, who was sacked by the Preston Acute Hospital Trust in November 1998, was diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder at the time of the incident. But he was given the all-clear by a psychiatrist at Thursday's inquiry.

Dr Chitra Bharuchra, committee chairman, told Dr Dale: "Testimonials and additional documents supplied to the committee today are very supportive of you and confirm there has been no repetition of your behaviour since 1999.

"The committee is satisfied of your personal and professional conduct and is satisfied that you present no risk to the public or patients as demonstrated by your testimonials.

"We note the behaviour was out of character. We are satisfied you are aware of the serious consequences if this behaviour occurs again."