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A senior surgeon in New Caledonia, jailed for 20 years for homicide this year, has been released from prison because of health problems.
Olivier Peres, who oversaw the orthopaedic department at Noumea's public hospital, gunned down his neighbour Eric Martinez on a golf course with three shots four years ago.
He was found guilty in March of the premeditated killing of Martinez.
Following Peres being released from prison, the appeal court has put off the hearing for his appeal.
Peres is to be reassessed in March to determine whether he is fit to be back in court.
He denied any intention to kill Martinez, saying he acted in self-defence.
Peres fired a third shot from close range, claiming he did so as not be killed by Martinez, who was later found to have a knife in his pocket.