AN ADDICTION clinic has been investigated by health chiefs after it was revealed that bootleg alcohol and cigarettes may have been sold to staff. The items are alleged to have been sold at the Manor Road Addiction Centre at Chatham which treats thousands of alcoholics and drug addicts a year.

At the centre of the furore is respected consultant Dr Greg Halse who is said to have accompanied to France a friend who allegedly picked up the goods and sold them to centre staff at cost price. An investigation by Thames Gateway NHS Trust, which runs the clinic, also discovered evidence of bullying and a dictatorial management.

In a confidential report seen by the Medway Messenger newspaper, it made a number of allegations. These include:

* The sale of alcohol in one case, and the sale of cigarettes and tobacco regularly over a number of years to staff which, it was feared, may have broken bootlegging laws.

* Widespread bullying and harassment of staff in the addiction service.

* A "draconian" and "dictatorial" management culture and "awful" staff morale.

Thames Gateway NHS Trust ran a two-month inquiry with the trade union Unison and published a secret report with recommendations in the autumn.

Although the trust refused the Medway Messenger access to the report, the newspaper wer Medway Messenger has learned that it was concerned about the activities of Dr Halse's friend, named only as John.

It was claimed he would be seen bringing cigarettes directly into Manor Road. But investigators found no evidence that any alcohol, cigarettes or tobacco reached clients.

Customs and Excise confirmed such a practice of selling cigarettes and alcohol purchased abroad without paying duty would be "blatant bootlegging".

A former client at Manor Road said: "Selling alcohol and cigarettes there is totally out of order and it's about time all this became public."

Dr Halse was off sick at the time of the probe and investigators were waiting to question him on his return to work. He refused to comment when contacted at his home in Gravesend.

Health watchdogs also intend to question the trust over the allegations. Graham Hills, chief officer for Medway's Community Health Council, said: "We will be asking questions about these allegations to Thames Gateway NHS Trust."

Trust chief executive John Mangan said: "With regard to allegations received about the supply of alcohol and cigarettes this is subject to a further inquiry. If we find anything untoward then we will clearly notify the appropriate authorities and co-operate fully with them."