Bruce, Hunter head to court 18 years after alleged scuffle

Dr Carl Bruce, medical chief of staff at The University Hospital of the West Indies, is to go on trial in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on September 2, in relation to an alleged fight with a former consultant that happened more than 18 years ago.

The consultant neurosurgeon is accused of shoving the complainant, Dr Roger Hunter, before grabbing him by his shirt and tie, damaging both.

On Tuesday, when Dr Bruce appeared in court on malicious destruction of property and assault-at-common law charges, the trial date was set after Hunter indicated that he did not wish to have the matter mediated.

Parish Judge Jacqueline Wilcott ordered that disclosure is to be made by May 2.

In the meantime, she has warned both parties to refrain from making any social media posts about the case after Bruce’s lawyer, Tom Tavares-Finson, KC, told the judge that the university’s legal officer had raised concerns about posts being made on social media.

Tavares-Finson told the court earlier that both parties were well-respected professionals and that what was happening was most unfortunate.

He indicated later that his client was strongly denying the allegations.

“We are prepared to defend the charges and continue to uphold the integrity of Dr Carl Bruce, someone who is known to many, many persons who have attended the University Hospital in one capacity or another,” Tavares-Finson said.

The incident allegedly occurred on January 31, 2007, at the hospital.

ALLEGATIONS

Bruce is alleged to have physically, verbally, and emotionally abused the complainant on the day of the incident in the planning room of the operation theatre at the hospital.

Hunter is alleging that he was preparing for surgery when Bruce barged in and shouted at him to get out.

Bruce reportedly advanced towards the complainant, shoving him before grabbing his shirt and necktie, damaging both.

Both items were valued at $5,000.

The complainant said he then shoved Bruce away, who he said threatened repeatedly to spit in his face before leaving the room.

Hunter said that initially, he did not report the matter to the police as he thought it would have been dealt with internally.

He reported the matter in November 2024 after his return to the island. According to him, he migrated in 2008.

The investigator told the court that after the matter was reported, he tried to contact Bruce but was unsuccessful. He said some time had elapsed before Bruce was summoned this year to appear in court on the charges.

Attorney-at-law Danovan Williams also represents Bruce. Attorney-at-law Kimani Brydson appeared for the hospital.

tanesha.mundle@gleanerjm.com