BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — An American doctor accused of repeatedly botching operations and performing surgeries he was not capable of handling has pleaded not guilty in Australia to three manslaughter charges and one of grievous bodily harm.
Indian-born Jayant Patel made the plea just before jury selection began in the trial that is expected to take four to six weeks and hear some 90 witnesses.
The trial comes more than 25 years after questions were first raised about his competency, and five years after a government inquiry found he may have directly contributed to patient deaths because of an unacceptable level of care at the hospital.
Patel has not spoken publicly about the charges. He faces life in prison if convicted.
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