A LIVERPOOL doctor found in possession of cocaine has failed in a bid to wipe his record clean.

A committee this week decided Gareth Fisher’s fitness to practise remained impaired following his police caution 2½ years ago.

On Wednesday, the General Medical Council (GMC) ruled the public could still be wary of his judgment as a doctor.

They claimed the Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust medic’s attitude towards casual drug use was “naive” and made him “vulnerable”.

And they voiced concern that Dr Fisher had admitted taking cocaine after he was stopped by officers.

Dr Fisher was arrested after police stopped him in Liverpool city centre, in December, 2007, and found four wraps of the Class A drug.

He told officers he had gone to town to watch a band and needed that amount “to get the desired effect”.

At the GMC review hearing, Dr Fisher had hoped the conditions on his registration would be lifted.

But the panel disagreed, meaning the 29-year-old could be struck off, suspended or face being monitored by further conditions.

A statement from the GMC committee read: “In your evidence to the panel you stated that you are ashamed, embarrassed and remorseful for your actions.

“This panel has noted that the caution was administered in December, 2007.

“We are concerned that, by your own admission, you took cocaine after the caution was administered.

“You informed the panel that, of your group of friends, some still use cocaine occasionally.

“Whilst you state you are not tempted to use cocaine now, you do not intend to give up your friendship with them.