DPP disputes law professor's move to call on psychiatrist in sex-for-grades trial

Law professor Tey Tsun Hang on Friday got into a terse exchange with the prosecution over documents regarding a psychiatric consultation.

Tey, who is on trial for corruption, produced as evidence a receipt of psychiatric consultation with Dr Tommy Tan, whom he said would be called as his defence witness "in due course".

The move, however, was immediately shot down by Deputy Public Prosecutor Andre Jumabhoy, who said that Tey had previously mentioned that the defence would not be calling on Dr Tan.

"If the defence wishes to call an expert witness, especially one they told us they would not be calling, they should have at the very least informed us they've changed their mind," said the DPP.

Tey countered that he had "spent his entire night" scrambling to retrieve documents following testimony given on Thursday that cast him in a "very negative light".

He also suggested a lack of communication and willingness of the prosecution to disclose documents and material.

This was rebutted by the DPP, who said the prosecution had gone out of their way to ensure Tey all relevant material. "He may wear the robes of an advocate but he's certainly not conducting proceedings in respect of informing the prosecution like one," he said.

The DPP added that "the blame very firmly lies at this defendant's door" if there is any delay.

Tey had earlier apologised to the court for appearing "over-zealous" for spending too much time on issues he thought were important.

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