Doctor Charged with Attempted Murder and Poisoning of Communal Tonic Water

A married doctor from East Lothian has been charged with attempting to murder his wife by lacing her tonic water with the poison atrophine. The 48-year-old medical professional, Dr. Paul Agutter, has also been accused of attempting to murder an 11-year-old girl and putting the public at risk by contaminating bottles of tonic water at a Safeway supermarket in Edinburgh. His wife, Alexandra, was hospitalized after consuming the tainted water, and eight people, including four who were seriously ill, fell victim to the contaminated tonic water.

Key Takeaways:

• Dr. Paul Agutter, a 48-year-old doctor from East Lothian, has been charged with attempting to murder his wife by administering atrophine in a bottle of tonic water.
• The doctor has also been accused of attempting to murder an 11-year-old girl and putting the public at risk by contaminating bottles of tonic water at a Safeway supermarket in Edinburgh.
• Eight people, including four who were seriously ill, fell victim to the contaminated tonic water, which was purchased from the supermarket in Edinburgh two weeks ago.
• The incident led to the withdrawal of millions of bottles of tonic water from supermarkets nationwide.
• The Lothian and Borders police have renewed their appeal for help in tracing the last seven of 21 bottles bought from the suspect outlet during the suspect period.
• Dr. Agutter appeared in Edinburgh sheriff court and was remanded in custody while further inquiries are made.
• The court is expected to make another appearance next week to discuss the case further.

Statistics:

• 8 people were poisoned by contaminated tonic water, with 4 being seriously ill.
• 4 of the victims were released from hospital last week, while 1 person remains hospitalized.
• Millions of bottles of tonic water were withdrawn from supermarkets nationwide as a preventive measure.
• 21 bottles of contaminated tonic water were bought from the suspect outlet during the suspect period.
• 7 of the 21 bottles remain unaccounted for and are being sought by the Lothian and Borders police.

Sources:

• Lothian and Borders police
• Edinburgh sheriff court

Note: The original text does not provide specific publication dates for the sources.