EVIDENCE given at an inquest into the deaths of three patients of Dr Howard Martin was thrown into doubt yesterday.

The inquest is into the deaths of Frank Moss and Stanley Weldon in 2003 and Harry Gittins in 2004, who the GP was cleared of murdering with drugs overdoses.

On Monday, it heard a series of meetings were held by health bosses and police officers to discuss concerns raised about the doctor in 2000.

They included a suggestion he may have used diamorphine to help people to die.

But yesterday, five professionals involved in those meetings denied knowledge of such an allegation and said the focus was on possible fraudulent activity.

Three police officers, a health authority statistician and a pharmaceutical advisor could not remember diamorphine use being discussed and said had it been, they would expect it to be have been followed up.

Retired Detective Superintendent Harry Stephenson, who eventually led the investigation resulting in Dr Martin’s trial, was asked by coroner Andrew Tweddle if the allegation was not taken seriously or investigated thoroughly.

He said he could not comment, adding it was not his role, nor did he recall it being raised.

Pharmaceutical advisor Anne Everden said a meeting was held with Dr Martin on the premise of offering advice after the Harold Shipman case.

But the real purpose was to tell the GP to improve storage and records of controlled drugs.

The inquest also heard Dr Martin was angry when his standards were questioned and unenthusiastically agreed to a development review to identify training required.

GP tutor Alan Sensier said though the doctor never completed a plan, he did see him later at educational events.

The inquest continues.