'Genital mutilation' doctor struck off after undercover press sting

A doctor has been struck off after a tribunal found he offered advice on arranging a female genital mutilation (FGM) operation.

Birmingham doctor Ali Mao-Aweys was captured on covert recordings discussing the procedure with a journalist posing as a patient.

A Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) panel ruled he should be erased from the medical register.

Mr Mao-Aweys said he did not realise the woman was discussing FGM.

The panel found he had offered to introduce the woman to a doctor who would perform the procedure on her fictional nieces in April 2012.

It said he had made "very serious" departures from the principles of good medical practice.

Mr Mao-Aweys had told the panel his lack of English language ability meant he had been "bewildered during the entire conversation" and that he had misunderstood the woman's request.

The panel rejected his defence and said he had "displayed a willingness to engage in the procurement of FGM, which he knew was an illegal act."

He was arrested in May 2012 after an article appeared in the Sunday Times but no prosecution was brought against him.