A DOCTOR cleared of indecently assa-ulting a teenage patient has been the subject of a High Court hearing to prevent him from practising as a GP.

Dr Tanuku Venkata Suryanarayana, 57, was found not guilty of the charge more than 18 months ago, after a trial at Preston Crown Court in December 2005.

But he has remained under suspension by the General Medical Council, pending an investigation into his background.

The father-of-two, from Bradyll Court, Brockhall Village, formerly worked at the Eagle Street surgery in Accrington.

He was initially barred from practising in February 2005 when the indecent assault alleg-ation was first made.

Yesterday lawyers representing the GMC sought an extension of an order first made last September which has prevented him from returning to his post.

That interim suspen-sion was reaffirmed by the council in June.

Locum arrangements have been put in place by East Lancashire Primary Care Trust, which runs the Eagle Street surgery, since the case began.

The doctor was accu-sed of giving the teen-ager an inappropriate' examination when she visited the surgery with stomach ache.

But the GP's lawyers said the girl, who had a history of chest pains and asthma, had mis-understood the doctor's procedure, which involved abdominal and internal checks and was routine for such complaints.

The jury found the doctor not guilty of the assault and afterwards he said he had been "upset and shocked" at the allegation.

The GMC applied to the High Court under Section 41A of the Medical Act 1983 as the maximum time they can suspend a doctor is 12 months without further legal permission.

The court was asked to consider any issue of potential harm to patients, the seriousness of the alleged case, and the possible prejudice to the GP presented by a continuing suspension, during its deliberations.

A GMC spokesman said a ruling on the application is expected within the next few days.