Judicial authorities in New Caledonia have rejected a bid for home detention by the territory's top surgeon who is awaiting his trial for murder.
Photo: 123rf
Dr Olivier Peres, who was in charge of the orthopaedic department at Noumea's public hospital, has been in prison since September after fatally shooting his neighbour on a golf course.
His defence lawyer said in prison his life has been threatened by fellow inmates and he should therefore be allowed to be free while wearing an electronic bracelet.
According to Les Nouvelles Caledoniennes, the request has been rejected as Dr Peres was considered a flight risk.
Days before the killing on the golf course, Dr Peres and his wife had contacted the police expressing fear about undue pressure from their neighbour Eric Martinez.
Searches found four firearms at Dr Peres' home and more than a dozen at the victim's house.
