An unscrupulous general practitioner has confessed to a second scheme to eliminate his mother’s partner due to a dispute over her will. Dr. Thomas Kwan, aged 54, pleaded guilty to attempting to murder Patrick O’Hara between September 15, 2022, and January 21, 2024. He also acknowledged tampering with bottles of wine by adding thallium, a highly toxic substance, which he gave to Mr. O’Hara.
During the trial at Newcastle Crown Court, it was revealed by Peter Makepeace KC, the prosecutor, that not all the bottles contained thallium intentionally to avoid immediate suspicion. Kwan, who is already serving a life sentence for his initial murder plot against Mr. O’Hara, will now face further punishment for the new murder attempt.
Evidence presented in court showed that Kwan sent poisoned wine bottles to Mr. O’Hara from a fictitious club named “Northern Wine and Drinks Tasting Gentlemen’s Club.” Although some bottles were tainted, others were sent without poison to maintain the illusion of safety and prevent early detection of the plot.
Mr. O’Hara unknowingly passed on poisoned wine to his son-in-law, Torquil Gundlach, leading to serious health issues. Kwan’s elaborate plan involved creating deceptive NHS letters to arrange a Covid appointment, using his medical expertise in the deadly scheme. He was solely driven by financial motives, feeling unjustly treated in his family’s inheritance distribution.
Kwan’s obsession with money and inheritance led him to spy on his mother using hidden software on a laptop he had gifted her. His mother, initially unaware of his intentions, became suspicious of his actions as he plotted the murder in her presence. Kwan’s greed and manipulation ultimately resulted in severe harm to Mr. O’Hara and strained family relationships.
Despite the gravity of his crimes, Kwan remained uncooperative with authorities, refusing to disclose the exact poison used in the attack. His malicious actions and calculated deception highlight the extent of his betrayal and disregard for human life. The court’s decision to extend his sentence reflects the severity of his criminal behavior and the lasting impact on his victims.
