Doctor disputes Jean-Ann Panton’s claim she suffered stroke in custody
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A medical doctor who reportedly examined accused fraudster Jean-Ann Panton, has testified that despite her claims, he has not observed anything to indicate that she suffered a stroke while in custody.
Dr Jermaine Whyte made the revelation during court proceedings on Wednesday.
Whyte, a medical officer employed by the Department of Correctional Services, also gave evidence that there was no record to indicate that Panton had any episodes of seizure at the South Camp Road penal facility, where she is being housed.
In an affidavit filed on Wednesday to support a new bail application, Panton, a former wealth advisor at the fraud-hit investment firm Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL), claimed that she suffered a stroke and at least two seizures since her initial bail application was refused by a High Court judge in late February.
The previous bail application was refused by High Court judge Lorna Shelly Williams, who cited the seriousness of the offences, the absence of a medical report in support of health complaints, and the fact that investigations were ongoing.
READ: WATCH: Bail denied for accused SSL fraudster, request for Zoom hearing also rejected
Panton’s attorney, Sylvester Hemmings, expressed that following Panton’s stroke and seizures, her condition would require medical treatment as it is considered “very serious.”
However, following a formal assessment, Whyte revealed that to date, there has been no record of any recognisable seizure activity from Panton. He also indicated that he saw no evidence of paralysis or “anything that would indicate a stroke”.
Whyte is expected to be cross-examined by Panton’s attorney when the hearing resumes on Thursday.
Panton is facing a 22-count indictment charging her with forgery, larceny as a servant, and engaging in a transaction involving criminal property.
READ: Accused SSL fraudster remanded
Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt reportedly lost US$12 million or approximately J$2 billion in the alleged fraud scheme uncovered at the firm.
READ: Lawyers confirm Bolt hit for more than US$12m in SSL fraud