Ingleby Barwick Dr Thomas Kwan has appeared in court via video link from HMP Hull following a huge emergency response to a chemical incident in Ingleby Barwick last month. His case was adjourned, with a trial fixed for 29th July 2024.
Read more about the chemical incident here: Dr Thomas Kwan Charged with Attempted Murder
Dr Kwan was charged with attempted murder, but is also now accused of producing a chemical weapon, namely ricin, between January 1 and January 22 this year and using a chemical weapon, namely ricin, on January 22.
Ricin is a highly toxic substance that can be found in castor beans, a plant commonly grown as an ornament. It has the potential to be used as a weapon because of its toxicity. If made into a concentrated form, it can cause illness or death if inhaled, ingested, or injected.