Published: 2024-03-06 by, News Team in the Local news category

Doctor Faces Attempted Murder and Chemical Weapon Charges

GP Thomas Kwan, aged 52, has appeared in Newcastle Crown Court facing allegations of attempted murder and chemical weapon offenses. The charges stem from an incident in Newcastle city center, where Kwan is accused of attempting to poison Patrick O'Hara, a man in his 70s. Additionally, Kwan faces accusations of producing and utilizing ricin, a lethal substance.

During a brief court hearing, the charges were not formally presented to Kwan, as his fitness to stand trial is under investigation. However, a trial date has been set for July, with pre-trial hearings scheduled prior to the trial date.

Judge Paul Sloan KC, presiding over the proceedings, remanded Kwan into custody, emphasizing the importance of honesty in addressing the allegations. Kwan, residing in Brading Court, Ingleby Barwick, attended the hearing via a video link from HMP Hull.

Prosecutor Peter Makepeace KC outlined the charges against Kwan, which include attempted murder and the production and use of ricin between January 1 and January 22. In response, Kwan's defense attorney, Brian Hegarty, stated that Kwan intends to contest the charges.

Notably, Northumbria Police clarified that the alleged victim, Mr. O'Hara, is not one of Kwan's patients. Despite being registered as a general practitioner in Sunderland, Kwan's legal troubles have garnered significant attention and speculation about the outcome of the case.

What is ricin?

Ricin is a highly potent and lethal toxin derived from the seeds of the castor oil plant, scientifically known as Ricinus communis. This naturally occurring substance has garnered notoriety due to its extreme toxicity and its potential as a chemical weapon. The castor oil plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions and is widely cultivated for its seeds, from which castor oil is extracted for various industrial and medicinal purposes.

Ricin works by disrupting cellular function, particularly by inhibiting protein synthesis within cells. The toxin is composed of two protein chains, A and B, with the B chain facilitating the entry of the toxin into cells, where the A chain carries out its toxic effects. Once inside the cell, ricin interferes with ribosomes, the cellular machinery responsible for protein production, leading to cell death.

What makes ricin particularly concerning is its potency; it is estimated to be one of the most toxic substances known to mankind. Even small doses of ricin can cause severe illness and, in some cases, death. The toxin can be administered through ingestion, inhalation, or injection, with symptoms typically appearing within a few hours to several days, depending on the route of exposure and the dose received.

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