Man who posed as medical student at hospital sentenced to community service

A man who posed as a medical student to gain access to hospital wards and patient files has been ordered to carry out community service.

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.

At Aberdeen Sheriff Court, Simpson was told to carry out 300 hours of community service. He will also be supervised for two years.

Sheriff Morag McLaughlin said the seriousness of the offence did pass the custody threshold, but given all the circumstances and sentencing guidelines she was persuaded prison would be disproportionate.

Simpson originally faced a total of six charges - one of fraud and five others of theft.

Last month, Simpson's lawyer Laura 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.