A doctor recovering from his marriage break-up admitted turning to Ecstasy and cocaine.

Dr Julian Franklyn, 43, who ran a Leigh clinic specialising in the use of botox injections, was caught with more than £300 of illegal drugs, Southend magistrates heard.

Father-of-two Franklyn, of Grand Parade, Leigh, admitted possessing 6.054g of cocaine, 3.416g of cannabis and three Ecstasy tablets.

Richard Cooper, defending, told the court of the marriage split which drove Franklyn to the drugs. He said: "He had a bitter dispute with his wife between August and September 2003."

The court was told Franklyn's wife complained to police and social services and "reported him to the General Medical Council to have his practice certificate revoked".

On October 27, police first found a wrap of cocaine on Franklyn when he was searched at Southend police station over harassment claims.

The next day, officers searched his home discovering three Ecstasy pills, seven wraps of cocaine and cannabis resin hidden in an aftershave box.

A further wrap of cocaine was found when detectives searched his home two months later.

Yesterday magistrates sentenced Franklyn, who is a GP at the West Road Practice in Westcliff, to a two-year conditional discharge. He also had to pay £43 costs.

The General Medical Council has also subjected Franklyn to random drug testing and his practising certificate has been temporarily suspended.

He is currently on sick leave from work.

The cosmetic surgery business Leigh Medical Services Franklyn ran with his wife from his former home in Kings Road, Westcliff, has gone out of business.

Published Friday January 9, 2004

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