Physician in Dominica wins bail after court quashes prosecution challenge

A doctor accused of trying to kill a woman and firing a weapon close to a public thoroughfare has secured release from custody after a superior court rejected the state's attempt to block his bail.

Physician in Dominica wins bail after court quashes prosecution challenge

A doctor accused of trying to kill a woman and firing a weapon close to a public thoroughfare has secured release from custody after a superior court rejected the state's attempt to block his bail.

The accused healthcare professional, Theodore Thomas, had previously been ordered freed after posting EC$75,000 in surety by a lower tribunal presided over by Michael Laudat. Yet within moments of that ruling, state attorneys signaled their intent to overturn it, which sent the defendant back behind bars at the national penitentiary while the matter was under review, The St Kitts Nevis Observer reported.

Thomas's legal representative, Wayne Norde, brought the matter before a higher judicial panel. He contended that the opposing side had failed to deliver the appellate paperwork correctly. The presiding jurist sided with the defense, declaring the state's motion null and effectively restoring the original release order.

Speaking to the press after the session, Norde expressed satisfaction with the judgment. He pointed out that the swift move by prosecutors to contest a bail award was an unusual development in local legal history.

Norde further stated that the accused rejects the accusations and intends to mount a full defense through established judicial avenues. He called on observers to allow the process to unfold without outside interference.

As part of the terms governing his temporary freedom, Thomas must present himself at a police facility in the capital on Mondays and Fridays, relinquish all passports and travel papers, steer clear of the complainant and anyone who may testify, and obtain judicial consent before departing the island nation. He is due back before judges on March 30, 2026.

The case dates to January, when Thomas denied allegations that he discharged a gun within 50 feet of a roadway. Regarding the more serious accusation that he tried to murder Athena Dodds, no plea was entered because such grave charges are reserved for adjudication at the highest trial court level.

Source: Google News DM — Crime