A PHYSIOTHERAPIST has been cleared of trying to poach clients from his former employer.
Brendan Aspinall, 33, admitted contacting patients who he had seen while working at the Bridge House Clinic in Shepley where he worked for two years.
He told them he was setting up his own business.
But the Health Professions Council ruled he had written to them in a “neutral” way.
His letters said: “Thank you very much for your custom during my time at Bridge House Clinic.
“I am now starting my own physiotherapy business at 1 Abbey Road, Shepley, Huddersfield.
“Appointments can be made by contacting the reception. Once again, many thanks for your previous custom and I hope to be of service again in the future.”
Mr Aspinall joined Bridge House Clinic in 2006. Owner Suzannah Lewis claimed Mr Aspinall threatened to leave and take clients with him after a disagreement over business.
But the panel found in his favour.
Chairman Elizabeth Carmichael said: “The panel has concluded that, in all the circumstances, it was appropriate for Mr Aspinall to write to the patients in the neutral terms he did.
“It does not amount to an encouragement for patients to move to his new practice.”
Mr Aspinall, of Highburton, said: “I’m looking very much forward to moving on and putting all this behind me.
“I’m delighted my name has been cleared.
“It was claimed at the hearing that my wife, Katie, had contacted patients by phone, but she never did.”
He added: “I’d like to thank all my patients and health professionals who have supported me throughout this.
“It has been going on for over a year now and I’m glad it’s all over at last.”
