Dr Death sentenced to seven years

Former patients of Jayant Patel leave the Bundaberg Courthouse after Patel’s sentencing was handed down.

Max Fleet

A SOMBRE group of patients emerged from the Bundaberg Courthouse yesterday, both relieved and deflated after killer doctor Jayant Patel was sent to jail.

Justice John Byrne sentenced the disgraced surgeon to seven years' imprisonment for each of the three manslaughter charges and three years for the count of grievous bodily harm, to be served concurrently.

Former patient Linda Parsons said the seven-year jail term was a bonus on top of the guilty verdict, while others felt it was not enough.

“All I wanted was for him to be found guilty,” Ms Parsons said.

“Being sent to jail is just one step better. I can move on and get back to my life.”

Patel's defence team has not yet indicated it will launch an appeal.

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