Tired 'Dr. Death' appeals for privacy

Melbourne, July 22 : Dr Jayant Patel, who acquired the sobriquet "Dr Death" for botching up several surgeries, today appealed for privacy after being released on bail after spending five months in custody.

Dr Patel, 58, was behind bars last night after arriving in Brisbane from Los Angeles yesterday to face Brisbane Magistrates Court following his voluntary extradition from the US.

His release from the Brisbane watchhouse at 5p.m. (AEST) today after posting 20,000 dollars bail was the first time since March 11 he has been out of custody.

His lawyer Arun Raniga said his client was tired and wanted to be left alone.

"He will be staying at an undisclosed residential location and will now start preparing his defence, once he has recovered from his sleep and gets a bit of rest," Raniga said.

"We ask that you respect his privacy and try and leave him in peace. He won't be making any public statements or answering any questions until his trial is over," he added.

Detail of Dr Patel's new accommodation is the subject of a suppression order, but he has surrendered his passport and must stay within Queensland, reporting to police three days a week, The Australian reported.

Dr Patel faces 14 charges including manslaughter, grievous bodily harm and fraud, relating to his time at Bundaberg Base Hospital between 2003 and 2005.

ANI