Man who posed as medical student misses sentencing again

A 22-year-old man who admitted pretending to be a medical student at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary has failed to appear for sentencing, prompting a warrant for his arrest.

Stephen Simpson admitted that he posed as a student at the hospital between 9 December 2023 and 26 January 2024. Wearing medical scrubs and NHS-branded clothing, he gained access to wards, staff-only areas and medical files, Aberdeen Sheriff Court heard.

Simpson was due to be sentenced at the court, but did not attend. His solicitor, Laura Gracie, told the court she had been in contact with him. Sheriff William Summers issued a warrant for his arrest.

It was his second missed sentencing hearing: sentence had been deferred the previous week after Simpson said he had a migraine. He originally faced six charges, including fraud and five theft charges, but last month admitted two amended charges. He also admitted stealing NHS-branded clothing, a pager and perfume.