UHWI Medical Chief Carl Bruce Cleared of Assault on Fellow Neurosurgeon

Dr Carl Bruce, chief of staff at UHWI, was acquitted Monday on charges of assaulting colleague Dr Roger Hunter in a 2007 incident. A Parish Court judge cited an 18-year delay in reporting as key to the verdict.

UHWI chief of staff acquitted after 18-year-old assault claim

Dr Carl Bruce, medical chief of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), was found not guilty on Monday of assaulting fellow neurosurgeon Dr Roger Hunter over an incident that allegedly took place nearly two decades ago, the Jamaica Observer reports.

Parish Court Judge Alwayne Smith delivered the verdict at the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court, clearing Bruce on two counts: malicious destruction of property and assault at common law.

According to the allegations, on January 31, 2007, Dr Hunter was in the planning room at UHWI preparing for surgery when Bruce entered abruptly and directed profanity at him, demanding he leave the room. Hunter alleged that Bruce then grabbed him by his tie and shirt, pushed him, and struck him on the head, face, neck and chest, before threatening to spit in his face. Hunter also claimed Bruce damaged his shirt and tie, together valued at $8,000.

The matter was not reported to police until November 2024 and was first heard in court last April.

In delivering judgement, Judge Smith pointed to the 18-year gap between the alleged incident and the police complaint — a delay Hunter offered no explanation for — as placing the accused at a significant disadvantage in contesting the account of events. The judge further noted the absence of any human resources records or medical evidence to support Hunter's claims.

Source: Jamaica Observer