Man who posed as medical student at hospital fails to appear for sentencing

Stephen Simpson admitted fraud at a previous court appearance

Police are searching for a man who gained access to hospital wards and patients’ files for several weeks while pretending to be a medical student, after he failed to appear for sentencing.

Stephen Simpson previously admitted carrying out the fraud at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI) between 9 December 2023 and 26 January 2024.

The 22-year-old accessed the hospital while wearing medical scrubs, NHS branded clothing, a stethoscope and a pager.

He was due to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, but a warrant for his arrest was issued by Sheriff William Summers after his non-appearance.

Defence solicitor Laura Gracie told the court she had been in contact with Simpson, but he failed to appear.

Restricted areas

Simpson also failed to appear for sentence last week due to having a migraine, and sentence had been further deferred.

He originally faced a total of six charges – one of fraud and five others of theft.

Last month Gracie said her client was pleading guilty to two amended charges.

Simpson, from Aberdeen, admitted that he had pretended to employees that he was a medical student who was authorised to be in the hospital.

He induced employees to allow him to remain in the hospital and gain access to restricted areas and medical files, staff-only areas and wards.

He also admitted stealing items of NHS branded clothing, a pager, and perfume.

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