July 23, 2008	Wednesday	Rajab 19, 1429

SYDNEY, July 22: An Indian-born surgeon charged with manslaughter over a series of patient deaths in Australia was on Tuesday released on bail ahead of his trial, court officials said.

Jayant Patel, 58, was released after the sum of 20,000 Australian dollars was deposited with a Brisbane court.

The surgeon arrived back in Australia on Monday following his extradition from the United States to face the charges, which also include grievous bodily harm and fraud.

Patel, a US citizen, made no comment as he left the Brisbane watchhouse where he had been held since his arrival.

His lawyer Arun Raniga told reporters his client was tired and wanted to be left alone.

“He will be staying at an undisclosed residential location and will now start preparing his defence, once he has recovered from his sleep and gets a bit of rest,” Raniga said.

Patel had been in US custody since March, when he was arrested in the state of Oregon pending his extradition.

Details of where Patel will be living are the subject of a court suppression order, but he has surrendered his passport and must stay in Queensland, reporting to police three days a week.—AFP