Assault trial of University Hospital chief doctor pushed back to February

The assault case involving Dr Carl Bruce, medical chief of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies, has been rescheduled for trial in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on February 9 next year.

The doctor was hauled before the court in relation to an alleged fight with a former consultant that happened more than 18 years ago.

The consultant neurosurgeon is accused of shoving the complainant, Dr Roger Hunter, before allegedly grabbing him by his shirt and tie, damaging both.

The trial was scheduled to begin on Monday, but was postponed to next year.

Bruce's bail on malicious destruction of property and assault at common law charges was extended.

In the meantime, attorney-at-law Hugh Wildman is to prosecute the case on a fiat from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The incident allegedly occurred on January 31, 2007, at the hospital.

Bruce is alleged to have physically, verbally, and emotionally abused the complainant on the day of the incident in the planning room of the operating theatre at the hospital.

Hunter is alleging that he was preparing for surgery when Bruce barged in and shouted at him to get out.

Bruce reportedly advanced towards the complainant, shoving him before grabbing his shirt and neck-tie, damaging both.

Both items were valued at $5,000.

The complainant said he then shoved Bruce away, who he said threatened repeatedly to spit in his face before leaving the room.

Hunter said that initially, he did not report the matter to the police as he thought it would have been dealt with internally.

He reported the matter in November 2024 after his return to the island.

According to him, he migrated in 2008.

The investigator had told the court that after the matter was reported, he tried to contact Bruce but was unsuccessful.

He said some time had elapsed before Bruce was summoned this year to appear in court on the charges.

Attorney-at-law Donovan Williams also represents Bruce.

Attorney-at-law Kimani Brydson appeared for the hospital.

- Tanesha Mundle

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