Sign-shooting doctor faces discipline

Saskatoon -- A Canadian doctor in Saskatchewan who admitted to blasting a road sign with bullets last year faces professional disciplinary hearings.

Dr. Biju Thomas pleaded guilty in November to disturbing the peace in the town of Spiritwood, about 100 miles northwest of Saskatoon, the Saskatoon StarPhoenix reported.

The sign was a mileage marker outside of town that also had a "Hospital ahead" sign, although the province ordered the hospital closed in 2006. The town only has two doctors, and the hospital required a minimum of three to remain open, the report said.

Thomas' wife is the other doctor in the town of 900..

Thomas was fined $3,425, ordered to pay $1,000 restitution to the Department of Highways and $380 restitution to replace a tire on the town's garbage truck that was struck by a bullet.

Thomas hasn't given any reason for the shooting. He'll be asked to explain when he appears before the Saskatchewan College of Physicians and Surgeons disciplinary board on unprofessional conduct charges, the report said.

A date for the hearing has yet to be set.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.