Washington, Apr 11: The extradition hearing of Dr. Jayant Patel, wanted for manslaughter in Australia’s Queensland, has been deferred by a US judge until May 27.

Authorities in Queensland are trying to have the Indian-born doctor extradited for the deaths of three of his patients when he was working at the Bundaberg Base Hospital.

Patel, who was initially scheduled to appear before the US District Court in Portland on April 18, appeared briefly before Judge Dennis Hubel, ABC News reported.

Patel’s lawyer Marc Blackman, had notified the court yesterday that Patel needed more time to “evaluate his options” before April 18.

Patel will have go behind bars for long time if convicted of the 16 offences Australian authorities have charged him with, including manslaughter, grievous bodily harm and fraud.

FBI officers have locked up Patel, 58, in a Portland prison since his arrest on March 11. (ANI)