A FORMER Co Clare doctor dismissed suggestions in court yesterday that he was a fraudster taking advantage of vulnerable people or shining lights on them to rob them of money.
On the 13th day of his trial at Ennis Circuit Court, Paschal Carmody (60) denied that he had made promises that he would cure three terminally ill patients of cancer.
On his second day in the witness box, he said: "I have never, ever misguided a patient in any way."
He denies 26 charges that he obtained by deception over €80,000 from six terminally ill cancer patients and their relatives.
"There was no need for me to be deceitful," he said. "There was not a need for me to make money from it. In the early stages of treating cancer patients, the majority I never charged for treatment and later, I only charged to cover my costs." He denied he ever gave the promise of a cure.
"That is an approach I would never adopt. I definitely did not say to any human being that I would cure them of anything."
Asked about the impact of being struck off as a doctor, Mr Carmody said: "It is the worst thing that can happen you in life." He was struck off in April 2004 after a fitness to practise hearing by the Irish Medical Council investigated his use of photodynamic therapy and his treatment for chronic fatigue.
The trial continues today.