A FORMER North-East doctor cleared of murdering three of his patients has pledged to return to work.

Dr Howard Martin said he felt shackled and wanted nothing more than to start again as a GP.

Last night, Sedgefield Primary Care Trust said it would take steps to review the GP's continued suspension.

Earlier this month, Mr Martin was found not guilty of killing three patients by injecting them with high doses of painkillers following an eight-week trial at Teesside Crown Court.

Less than 24 hours after the doctor's acquittal, police revealed that the deaths of a further 12 of his patients were being investigated by Durham Coroner Andrew Tweddle.

But the 71-year-old doctor, who used to practise in County Durham, said he was appalled at not being allowed to work following his acquittal.

Dr Martin is suspended by the General Medical Council and Sedgefield Primary Care Trust following a High Court ruling after the trial, which extended his ban until May.

Speaking in North Wales, where he now lives, Dr Martin - who is a born-again Christian - said: "I took the Hippocratic oath.

"I have believed and practised that for 50 years. I am appalled, really, that I am not allowed now.

"I am a little bit disappointed that somebody wants to punish me and take away my employment for caring for my dying patients.

"I am perplexed by that.

"I haven't come to terms with that at this moment in time.

"When I gave 50 years of my life to patients, I sacrificed some of my time."

Dr Martin said there was a shortage of doctors.

He added: "I am still a doctor. They can't take my qualification away from me. I still have a lot of patients who I want to care for.

"I didn't do just a job. I did a vocation."

The former Army officer was unanimously cleared by a jury of killing Frank Moss, 59, and Harry Gittins and Stanley Weldon, both 74, by injecting them with massive overdoses of morphine.

The three men had been patients of the doctor when he was a partner at the Jubilee Medical Group, which has surgeries in Newton Aycliffe, Shildon and Eldon.

Dr Martin, a twice-married father-of-four, said it was likely he would challenge any moves to place constraints upon him if he is reinstated.

He said: "I am still on the medical list in County Durham."

The GP said he had been shackled - forbidden from continuing as a doctor and talking about his court case.

He added: "This is unfair. I have been under house arrest. I have had to report to police three times a week - but I am free now."

Talking about his acquittal, he said: "I don't look at it as victory or defeat. I look at it as justice.

"I didn't want to do battle in the first place. I have been treated shabbily by the police."

Dr Martin said he was now a committed Christian, adding: "I believe I have got God's blessing. If you are not a spiritual person, some of what I say sounds very glib - but it's not glib, it's heartfelt.

"I have to answer to the Lord's and my life beliefs. I don't have to answer to human beings. I am a born-again, spirit-filled Christian - filled by the Holy Spirit."

Mr Gittins' son, Paul, 45, of Newton Aycliffe, said: "I think it would be completely wrong for him to return to work.

"There are a further 12 deaths to be investigated."

Stephen Weldon, 45, the son of Stanley Weldon, said: "His fate will be decided by the medical profession."

Nigel Porter, chief executive of Sedgefield PCT, said last night: "When we were notified of Dr Martin's impending arrest, we took action to suspend him, without prejudice, from the medical performers list in accordance with the regulations.

"Suspension is a neutral act that is intended to protect the interests of patients, other staff and the doctor, or to assist the investigative process.

"The PCT will now take steps to review Dr Martin's suspension from the medical performers list. He is also currently suspended by the General Medical Council."