Indian-origin doctor Jayant Patel, convicted of manslaughter charges in 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 on Wednesday 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. Patel, 60, 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.