FGM trial: DPP to face questions over failed court case against doctor

Dhanuson Dharmasena was cleared of carrying out the procedure this week

Alison Saunders maintains there was enough evidence to bring the case (PA)

The Director of Public Prosecutions faces questions from MPs over her decision to charge a doctor with female genital mutilation days before she was due to be grilled about the failure to bring anyone to justice for the crime.

The prosecution of Dr Dhanuson Dharmasena, 32, appeared to have been “borne in haste” just before Alison Saunders gave evidence last March amid growing criticism at the absence of a prosecution in three decades, Home Affairs Select Committee chair Keith Vaz said.

Dr Dharmasena was cleared on Wednesday, with Hasan Mohamed, 41, after being accused of committing FGM by stitching up a bleeding woman after she had given birth. The prosecution claimed the procedure had the same effect on the woman who had FGM as a six-year-old in Somalia.

Ms Saunders maintains she was right to conclude that there was enough evidence.

New guidelines for health workers are being published amid claims they fear treating those with FGM.