Ex-GP in court over attempted murder and poisoning

Thomas Kwan has been charged with attempted murder and administering a noxious substance

A former GP has appeared in court charged with attempted murder in an investigation into a suspected poisoning.

Thomas Kwan, of no fixed abode, is accused of the attempted murder of Patrick O' Hara, a man in his 70s, and administering a noxious substance, thallium, to a second man, Torquil Gundlach, who is now in his 50s.

The offences are alleged to have happened between September 2022 and January 2024 in Newcastle.

The 54-year-old appeared before Newcastle Magistrates' Court by video link to confirm his name and date of birth.

No pleas were entered at the two-minute hearing.

District Judge Paul Currer told Mr Kwan the charges he faced were so serious they could only be dealt with at the Crown Court.

He was remanded into custody and is next due to appear before Newcastle Crown Court on 9 October.