Dr Tony Hanne Photo: Supplied
An Auckland GP accused of incorrectly prescribing ritalin and other ADHD drugs has been found guilty of professional misconduct.
The medical disciplinary tribunal chairperson Royden Hindle delivered the unanimous verdict, saying Dr Tony Hanne would be sanctioned.
Hanne had earlier told the hearing his care for his patients motivated his actions.
The prosecution argued that no matter what Hanne's intentions or expertise were, he should not have broken the rules.
The hearing has adjourned while parties pepare for penalty discussions.
Speaking to RNZ after the verdict this afternoon, Dr Hanne's defence counsel Harry Waalkens KC said the tribunal's decision was disappointing.
"We've still got further work to do with the tribunal, and address the tribunal on matters to do with penalty, we're going to await the written decision with reasons, and really it would be inappropriate to say a lot more at this stage," Waalkens said.
He could not foresee how long the proceedings would continue for.
However, one message had come through loud and clear since the start of the case, he said.
"Tony Hanne has been only and always focused only on what's in the best interests of the patients, and more particularly, in the community, with the ravages of ADHD."