GP accused of making ricin and attempting to murder his mother's partner by poisoning him will go on... (original) (raw)

Published: 03:24 EST, 2 October 2024 | Updated: 03:25 EST, 2 October 2024

A GP accused of making the highly toxic protein ricin and attempting to murder his mother's partner by poisoning him will go on trial today.

Dr Thomas Kwan, 52, is charged with the attempted murder of Patrick O'Hara, who is in his 70s, in Newcastle.

The Sunderland-based GP has also been charged with the production and use of a chemical weapon, ricin, between January 1 and January 22 this year.

The home where Kwan lives with his wife and child was searched by police in Hazmat suits during a raid on February 6.

Emergency services descended on the £300,000 detached house at Brading Court in Ingleby Barwick, Teesside.

Dr Thomas Kwan, 52, is charged with the attempted murder of Patrick O'Hara, who is in his 70s, in Newcastle. Pictured: The GP's home is searched by Northumbria Police in February

Emergency services descended on the £300,000 detached house at Brading Court in Ingleby Barwick, Teesside

A lengthy search of the property was conducted involving police and firefighters in chemical protection suits.

Kwan appeared at a hearing via video link in March and spoke only to confirm his identity. He was not asked to enter a plea to any charges.

Judge Paul Sloan KC told Kwan he will attend future pre-trial hearings via video link but must attend his trial in person.

The alleged victim collapsed and was rushed to the city's nearby Royal Victoria Infirmary in a serious condition. No update on his condition was given in court.

The alleged victim collapsed and was rushed to the city's nearby Royal Victoria Infirmary in a serious condition. No update on his condition was previously given in court

Kwan, bald, bespectacled and wearing a grey T-shirt, spoke only to confirm his name as he appeared via video link from Hull Prison in the half hour hearing.

Ricin is a poison naturally found in castor beans.

It can be made into a liquid, mist, or dry powder and is a stable substance under normal conditions but can be inactivated by heat above 80 degrees centigrade.