Melbourne: Indian-origin doctor Jayant
Patel, convicted of manslaughter charges Australia, will have
another legal team led by one of the most experienced lawyers
of Queensland, representing his appeal in March.
Counsel Ken Fleming told a Court of Appeal in Brisbane
today that he would now be handling Patel`s defence.
Patel is appealing his conviction for the manslaughter
of three patients and the grievous bodily harm of a fourth.
The charges relate to a series of botched surgeries he
allegedly performed during his time at Bundaberg Base Hospital
between 2003 and 2005.
Fleming is one of the most experienced lawyers of
Queensland, and is said to have taken up some of the state`s
most high-profile criminal and civil trials as well
commissions, media reports said.
Known for his knowledge of the most intricate parts of
law, Fleming said he expected to be ready to go ahead with the
appeal in late February or early March.
Prosecutor Ross Martin, SC, said he had no problems
with either dates.
Fleming has replaced Andrew Boe, who appeared for
Patel during the last review of the matter on November 12.
Patel has also previously been represented by
solicitor Arun Raniga, who withdrew his services earlier this
month after legal aid was refused.
Fleming told the court his client was "anxious that
the matter will be heard" as soon as possible, and so asked
that it proceed early next year.
It was listed for three days from March 2.
60-year old Patel was sentenced in July to seven
years` jail for the manslaughter of three patients and causing
grievous bodily harm to a fourth.
Patel, who was dubbed as `Dr Death` by the media here,
was extradited from the US for the trial.
Queensland Attorney-General Cameron Dick has lodged a
counter-appeal. The prosecutors will argue that the sentence
was inadequate, and that Patel should be declared a serious
violent offender.
PTI
