Bail Restored for Dominican Physician Facing Attempted Homicide Accusations

A Roseau magistrate's decision to free a doctor on bond was reinstated after the High Court threw out the state's challenge.

Bail Restored for Dominican Physician Facing Attempted Homicide Accusations

A physician accused of trying to kill a woman and firing a gun near a public thoroughfare has secured his freedom pending trial, following a successful challenge to the prosecution's attempt to keep him jailed.

Dr. Theodore Thomas, who maintains he is innocent, walked out of custody after the island's High Court rejected an appeal brought by state attorneys. The legal victory came when his lawyer, Wayne Norde, convinced the presiding judge that the opposing side had not followed correct procedures in serving its appeal notice.

The case had taken an unusual turn last week when Senior Magistrate Michael Laudat approved bail at EC$75,000 for the defendant. State prosecutors immediately signaled their disagreement by filing an appeal, which caused the accused to be returned to Dominica State Prison while the challenge was pending. On Monday, the superior court deemed that appeal invalid because of improper service, allowing the lower court's release order to stand.

Norde described the result as historic, noting that an instant appeal against a bail ruling was something not previously seen in the local system. He asked observers to refrain from prejudging the matter while it remains active in the justice system. The accused, he emphasized, looks forward to contesting the claims through established legal channels.

Conditions attached to the physician's liberty include mandatory check-ins at the Roseau police station on Mondays and Fridays, surrender of all passports and travel papers, a prohibition on approaching the complainant or anyone who may testify, and a ban on overseas travel unless expressly permitted by a judge. He must also show up for a subsequent hearing on March 30, 2026.

The allegations date back to January, when investigators charged the doctor with attempting to murder Athena Dodds and with unlawfully shooting a weapon within close proximity of a public road. During an earlier session, he denied the firearms count; no plea was taken on the more serious homicide attempt, which falls under the High Court's jurisdiction.

Information drawn from The St Kitts Nevis Observer

Source: Google News DM — Crime