24 Problems Only People From Newton Aycliffe Will Understand

5. An Abnormally Eerie History Of Controversial Doctors

On a more serious note, Aycliffe has hit the headlines in recent years because of its association with two very controversial doctors - the first being Harold Shipman. Shipman was a doctor who turned out to be one of the most prolific serial killers in recorded history and was found guilty of fifteen murders in the year 2000 and sentenced to life in prison - he has since killed himself. Shipman spent time in Newton Aycliffe as a clinical medical officer earlier in his career. Also, there is the case of Howard Martin. Martin worked as a GP in Aycliffe for many years and was found guilty of professional misconduct after apparently helping at least eighteen of his patients to die. Some people view this as murder regardless of his intentions, others view it as caring euthanasia and some simply think he's outright lying. Either way, it makes for uncomfortable reading for Aycliffe's residents, knowing the history of doctors on the town.