Baby poison nurse struck off over fraud

A NURSE who poisoned her best friend’s baby out of jealousy has been struck off for another offence.

Veronica Duncan, 46, falsely claimed almost £9000 in housing benefit last year.

The mother of the child she almost killed with insulin in 2007 was at yesterday’s Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) hearing.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said afterwards: “I am very happy. The NMC made the right decision today and I am delighted.”

She said of Duncan, who did not attend the hearing: “The last time I saw her was through a pane of glass at the High Court. I can’t believe she hasn’t shown again.”

NMC solicitor Barry Dooley said that Duncan had been involved in a “lengthy period of serious dishonesty” where she was falsely claiming benefits.

He said: “She pleaded guilty to her offence and appeared at the Edinburgh Sheriff Court.”

The NMC found that her “fitness to practice” is impaired by reason of her conviction.

Duncan was originally suspended from nursing in 2009 after injecting a four-month-old baby with insulin.