A psychologist obtained sexual favours from a prisoner in return for cash, a fitness to practise hearing was told.

Phillip Dodgson, from Brighton, was instructed to meet the convict to prepare an expert report for his court case.

But Dodgson, who was once the Sussex Police clinical psychologist, met the man in June 2004 for an assessment and made inappropriate sexual comments, it is alleged.

A Health Professions Council in London was told yesterday that Dodgson also asked to meet the 'vulnerable' man, referred to as Prisoner X, upon his release.

It was alleged that Dodgson stayed in touch with the man by text messages and phone calls.

The panel was told that Dodgson had 'sexual contact' with the prisoner during a woodland walk in exchange for money.

Dodgson's counsel, Paul Spencer, said his client denied all the claims.

Dodgson was excused from attending the hearing as he is undergoing radiotherapy treatment for cancer.

Mr Spencer applied for the proceedings to be stopped, arguing there was no case to answer.

He said Prisoner X, who regarded his meetings with Dodgson as 'a business arrangement' according to the HPC, had made no complaint and would not be giving evidence.

The three-strong panel, who have the power to strike Dodgson off the practising register, will consider the application this morning.