A junior doctor who asked colleagues to help him avoid losing his driving licence has escaped punishment at a disciplinary hearing.

Dr Nushan Pasindhu Gunawardana, who was completing a training period at Watford General Hospital in January 2008, feared he would lose his driving licence when he appeared in front of Hemel Hempstead Magistrates' Court for a speeding offence later that year.

The General Medical Council (GMC) heard this week that he asked colleagues to write to the court falsely suggesting he was responding to an emergency call.

Dr Gunawardana admitted requesting the letter but said he did this only on his solicitor’s advice as he feared the professional consequences of losing his licence.

Although a GMC disciplinary panel admitted that his behaviour had “been a departure from good medical practice”, its members rejected claims that it impaired his ability to work in the medical profession.

In recognition of his good character, and messages of support from colleagues, Dr Gunawardana was not given an official warning.