A married doctor, who twice spiked his pregnant girlfriend’s drinks with powerful drugs in a bid to trigger a miscarriage, faces being locked up when he returns to the Old Bailey next month.
Dr Edward Erin, 44, of Gratton Road, Kensington, was convicted today (Monday) of attempting to administer poison with intent procure a miscarriage, contrary to section 1 (1) Criminal Attempts Act 1977 on February 7 and 8, last year.
Erin, a father of two, spiked 32 year-old Bella Prowse’s coffee in Starbucks, Paddington Station and the following day offered her drugged orange juice at their workplace.
Lambeth police were contacted on Friday February 8, last year after Bella became concerned about a mysterious powder she found in two drinks Erin had given to her, after she informed him that she was pregnant with his child.
Erin (pictured) had already purchased drinks at the coffee shop having previously asked what she would like.
It was obvious the lid had been removed and replaced, so when she got the opportunity, Prowse transferred the contents into a bottle.
The contents of the coffee were examined and found to include Diclofenac and Methotrexate.
Erin tried again the next day when he offered Bella a bottle of orange juice.
Noticing the seal had already been broken and that the liquid contained a powdery substance, she chose not to drink the juice.
Traces of Diclofenac were found in the liquid.
Later that day Bella attended Streatham police station with a cup and liquids that she had preserved and reported her suspicions to officers.
As a result of investigations and forensic tests, Erin was arrested at the Royal Brompton Hospital, Chelsea on Thursday February 14.
A search of Erin's residential address led to the discovery of the medication including traces on a pestle and mortar.
A further search of Erin's office resulted in the seizure of numerous tablets and powdered substances.
Detective Chief Inspector Mickey Gallagher, said: "Edward Erin is a consultant physician, pharmacologist and honory senior lecturer.
“He has been a medical professional for over 20 years, yet having failed to persuade his girlfriend, Bella Prowse, to have an abortion, he has abused his profession and position of trust, used his medical knowledge to try and bring on a miscarriage.
"This was not a morality trial, but the nature of this case in unusual in that it is only the second of it type to be brought before the courts in the last 40 years.
Erin has been judged on evidence and the jury have applied good sense and fairness. I would like to state that this prosecution has been brought on behalf of Bella Prowse and my thoughts are with her at this time.
"Thankfully, Erin failed in his attempts and Bella has a healthy child."
Bella Prowse, said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Metropolitan Police Service and Crown Prosecution Service.
"I am especially grateful for the support of my friends, family and daughter during this very difficult time."
Erin will be sentenced on 15th November.
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