'Dr. Death' Jayant Patel can walk free in three-and-a-half years

Melbourne, Jul 1 (ANI): Indian-origin surgeon "Dr. Death" Jayant Patel could walk free in as little as three-and-a-half years after he was sentenced to seven years in jail on Thursday for the manslaughter of Mervyn Morris, Gerardus Kemps and James Phillips

The Brisbane Supreme Court jury also found him guilty of causing grievous bodily harm to Ian Vowles. The charges all relate to Patel's time as director of surgery at the Bundaberg Base Hospital between 2003 and 2005.

The sentences are to be served concurrently, meaning Patel will be eligible for parole after serving just three-and-a-half years.

The sentence sparked anger among some Patel patients, while others were jubilant; calling it the icing on the cake of Patel's convictions handed down by a jury on Tuesday, News.com.au reports.

The state opposition immediately called on Attorney-General Cameron Dick to appeal the sentence, calling it manifestly inadequate and far from what the community would expect. (ANI)