Man admits posing as medical student to enter Aberdeen hospital areas

Stephen Simpson, 22, has admitted pretending to be a medical student at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and using that claim to access restricted areas and files, according to proceedings at Aberdeen Sheriff Court. Simpson admitted fraud covering the period from 9 December 2023 to 26 January 2024. Sentence was deferred until later this month while the court seeks reports, including a criminal justice social work report and an assessment for a restriction of liberty order.

The court heard that Simpson wore medical scrubs and NHS-branded clothing at the hospital. He also had a stethoscope and pager, according to the case details. By presenting himself as a medical student authorised to be at the hospital, Simpson induced employees to allow him to remain at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, the source material said.

He gained access to restricted areas, staff-only spaces, wards and medical files. Simpson also admitted stealing NHS-branded clothing, a pager and perfume. He originally faced six charges, including one of fraud and five relating to theft.

Solicitor Laura Gracie said he was pleading guilty to two amended charges, which were accepted by fiscal Dylan Middleton for the Crown. The fraud allegation had originally covered a longer period, from 22 September 2023 to 26 January 2024. The source material does not explain the reason for the amended charges.

Sheriff Morag McLaughlin deferred sentence pending the reports and assessment. NHS Grampian has been asked for comment. The source material does not state whether any patients were affected or whether the hospital has changed its security procedures.