THE doctor who admitted viewing online pornography while at work has told of the devastating impact the scandal has had on his family.

Respected Woodford Green GP Dr Richard Price was given a formal warning by the General Medical Council for the offence, which will stay on his record for five years.

Dr Price - who has worked at the Rydal Group Practice in Woodford Green High Road for the past 21 years - has apologised again for viewing porn while working at the surgery, but denied ever downloading the images onto his computer.

He said: "I will be contacting the GMC to enquire about the wording of my warning. The investigation showed viewing of inappropriate images, but I am confident that at no time did I willfully download any material intending to save such on my work computer.

"This in no way detracts from the fact that I was in the wrong, and I once again apologise for my actions."

"This has had a devastating effect on my family and I.

"My family and I are part of a wonderful local community both socially and professionally and I am deeply upset that this will cause discomfort to so many friends, patients and colleagues at this time."

Dr Price, who is chairman of Redbridge Primary Care Trust's Professional Executive Committee, said he was "disappointed" by the speed at which the affair was leaked to the press but vowed to carry on serving his patients in Woodford Green.

He said: "I am most grateful for the support of my partners and I sincerely hope I will continue to practice here.

"At this stage it is difficult to gauge the reaction from patients.

"I know many will be surprised, shocked and disappointed. I hope they will be able to accept my heartfelt apology for this error of judgement and allow me to remain in their minds the person I have always been."