'Dr. Death' may have been trying to 'redeem' himself via surgeries: Oz prosecutor

Brisbane, June 17 (ANI): Brisbane Supreme Court prosecutor Ross Martin has said that Indian-origin Dr. Jayant Patel a.k.a. 'Dr. Death' may have tried to "redeem" himself by performing complicated operations in Bundaberg when he was banned in the US.

Prosecutor Ross Martin said that Patel had leaped into complicated surgery seven weeks after arriving in Bundaberg, while he knew he was under a stipulated order in another country.

"I am not putting this up as evidence, but ambition, ego and a lack of insight might lead a man stung by the order of Oregon to redeem himself. It is one of the range of possible drivers for his behaviour," The Courier-Mail quoted Martin, as saying.

Martin further said that prosecuting surgeons ought not to become a habit in criminal courts.

"It's important that surgeons be able to operate courageously, without fear of being second-guessed all the time, without fear of proceedings like this being held over their shoulders," Martin said.

"That is a general rule, but there are exceptions. If this is not a case that should be treated as an exception, then when?" he added.

Martin was continuing his address to the jury in a trial where Dr. Patel has pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of Mervyn Morris, Gerardus Kemps and James Phillips during his time as director of surgery at the Bundaberg Base Hospital between 2003 and 2005.

He has also pleaded not guilty to the grievous bodily harm of Ian Vowles.

The trial before Justice John Byrne continues. (ANI)