The doctor who oversaw the birth of 13-year-old girl that was left with severe disabilities after he delayed her birth for no apparent reason has been found liable for a 3.75 million euro medical negligence settlement that was agreed previously in her case.

The High Court heard that consultant obstetrician; Dr. Raymond Howard delayed the birth of Nicole Hassett of Clonmel, County Tipperary by over half an hour on November 15 1997 for ‘absolutely no apparent reason’. In the original court action the settlement was agreed against the South Eastern Health Board (now the Health and Safety Executive – HSE) with Dr. Howard and the UK-based Medical Defence Union as third parties but Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O’Neill ruled that Dr.Howard was liable as he failed to adequately perform his duties and failed to provide the child with a duty of care.