Lawyers of disbarred doctor in French Polynesia seek trial deferral

8:10 am on 19 October 2022
Dr Jean-Paul Theron

Jean-Paul Theron Photo: Supplied

Lawyers for a disbarred and retired medical doctor in French Polynesia have asked for his trial to be deferred for a sixth time.

Jean-Paul Theron is facing criminal charges for allegedly assaulting and abusing a bailiff outside his home in September while he was being given a summons from medical authorities.

The defence said he is in France for a family matter.

In August, the trial was put off to get a new medical opinion about the severity of the victim's injuries.

In May, the trial was postponed because Theron was running for a seat in the French National Assembly.

At the beginning of the year, Theron was barred from the profession for three years for several breaches, including practising medicine without a permanent practice.

At the height of the pandemic last year, the retired physician attracted attention for prescribing Ivermectin, which is used as a treatment for parasites, to dozens of Covid-19 sufferers in his care.

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