An island-based consultant psychiatrist has resigned ahead of a misconduct hearing into his fitness to practise.

Dr Timothy Byrne, who was clinical director of mental health services at Noble’s Hospital, has been found by a medical tribunal to have had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a patient.

The Department of Health and Social Care has confirmed he resigned from his position on June 12 with immediate effect.

He is due to appear before the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service next month when it will decide whether, as a result of the facts found proved, his fitness to practise is impaired.

The hearing was adjourned part-heard on July 18 last year.

Dr Byrne is accused of having a year-long affair with a patient, which ended in June 2013.

The tribunal last year heard that the patient, who had suffered childhood abuse, was referred to him in 2003 after suffering depression following the birth of her son.

In 2007 he began giving her psychiatric treatment.

At all material times, the patient was vulnerable as a result of her mental health, the tribunal found. On one occasion, he entered her house unannounced. He also gave her gifts.

The tribunal found that he failed to record accurate and appropriate details of consultations in her medical records or report any intimacy to his employer.

Dr Byrne, who is married and lives in Ramsey, had insisted his relationship with the patient was ’appropriate and professional’ at all times .

The hearing at St James’s Buildings in Manchester is listed for July 21-22 and 29-30.

Dr Timothy Byrne, who was clinical director of mental health services at Noble’s Hospital, has been found by a medical tribunal to have had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a patient.