Former GP, 54, seems in court docket accused of tried homicide of pensioner and poisoning of second alleged sufferer

A former GP has appeared in court charged with attempting to murder a pensioner and poisoning a second alleged victim. 

Married father-of-one Thomas Kwan, 54, appeared briefly at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court this morning via videolink and did not enter pleas to the offences.

He is accused of attempting to murder Patrick O’Hara, 73, in Newcastle between September 2022 and January 2024.

He is also accused of causing a man named Torquil Gundlack, who is in his 50s, to be exposed to the poison thallium, with intent to injure, between the same dates.

Appearing from custody, Kwan spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.

District Judge Paul Currer said the allegations were so serious they could only be dealt with at the Crown Court.

Kwan was born in Hong Kong but moved to the UK as a teenager, going on to study medicine in Newcastle.

He was remanded in custody and will next appear at Newcastle Crown Court on October 9.