The elderly South African doctor detained while travelling through the United Arab Emirates was finally given bail this morning.

Professor Cyril Karabus was convicted in absentia by a UAE court for the alleged manslaughter of a terminally ill Yemeni girl he treated in the country in 2002.

Unaware of the conviction, Mr Karabus stopped off in Dubai on August 18 this year, on his way back to South Africa from his son’s wedding in Toronto.

The 78-year-old doctor has been in an Abu Dhabi jail since and his trial was postponed five times because the prosecution could not find the hospital files that contained the evidence.

Sara Karabus, the daughter of Professor Karabus, said: “The trial is still ongoing but they finally found the hospital files this morning.

“The defence will also be able to look at the files so it’s good news - we’re very happy today.

“We have to raise the 240,000 ZAR (equivalent to nearly £18,000) bail money before it can be given next week.”

Professor Karabus’ next trial is on November 20.

“There’s no indication that this will be the last trial,” Ms Karabus added.

“We still haven’t been allowed to speak to him – the deputy South African ambassador told us the news.”