Convicted Oz-Indian homeopath in dock over ‘threatening to kill’ lawyers, judge

SYDNEY - A Sydney-based Indian homeopath convicted over the death of his nine-month-old daughter for failing to provide her proper medical treatment, is fighting charges that he threatened lawyers and the judge when the verdict was handed down.

Earlier in June, the New South Wales Supreme Court had convicted Thomas Sam and his wife, Manju Sam, for “gross criminal negligence” over the death of baby Gloria Thomas, who had severe eczema and died of septicaemia on May 8, 2002.

Sam had allegedly threatened to kill his lawyer, the judge and then himself after the jury gave its verdict. The alleged incident followed a conference with his lawyer, Peter Karp and barrister, Carolyn Davenport, after which he was charged with threatening a judicial officer, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Court papers state Sam said to Karp words to the effect of: “I’m going to kill you, kill the judge, all the lawyers in the case and then myself.”

However, Sam’s new lawyers have told a court that they will apply to have the charge thrown out, after the contents of notes taken by Karp about the exchange were revealed to both the Crown and defence.

Con Papanicolaou, acting for Sam, previously argued the notes were classified under client-legal privilege, however a magistrate last month ruled they could be allowed in evidence.

The matter has been adjourned until December 12. (ANI)