KINGSTON, Jamaica — The court matter between Dr Carl Bruce, medical chief of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI),  and fellow neurosurgeon Dr Roger Hunter was on Monday adjourned after Bruce’s attorney said the defence had only just been served with documents and needed more time to prepare.

Following the mention of the case, Hunter’s attorney, Hugh Wildman, told Observer Online that he had no objection to the adjournment but stressed that his client was ready to proceed.

Attorney at law Hugh Wildman (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

“We could have started today if they were ready,” Wildman said, noting that the adjournment was requested by the defence.

Dr Hunter expressed disappointment at the delay, saying he was eager for the matter to proceed.

“We know that judicial resources are in high demand, and we don’t like to waste court time,” he said. “We can’t understand how it is that the other side is not ready when, from November last year, the police were interested in him. We are totally caught by surprise by their non-readiness.”

Defence attorney Tom-Tavares-Finson, representing Dr Bruce, declined to comment after court.

Dr Bruce was charged in April with malicious destruction of property and assault at common law following an alleged attack on Dr Hunter while the latter was preparing for surgery, according to media reports.

Hunter previously refused mediation when the matter first came before the court.

The next court date is set for February 9.