A GP, Thomas Kwan, was sentenced to 31 years in prison for attempting to murder his mother’s partner by disguising himself as a community nurse and poisoning him with a fake COVID booster jab. The judge, Mrs. Justice Lambert, described it as an audacious plan that almost succeeded. The incident took place at Kwan’s mother’s home, where the victim, Patrick O’Hara, was staying at the time.
Kwan had initially denied the charges but changed his plea after hearing the prosecution’s case against him. He disguised himself as a nurse named Raj Patel, wore a long coat, flat cap, surgical gloves, a medical mask, and tinted glasses to carry out a 45-minute examination of the victim. Mr. O’Hara suffered serious injuries after being injected with a dangerous poison, resulting in necrotising fasciitis, a flesh-eating disease.
Following the sentencing, Mr. O’Hara expressed relief that justice had been served and thanked the police and prosecutors for their professionalism. The court heard that Kwan’s motive was related to his inheritance and his strained relationship with his mother and her partner. Kwan had a history of monitoring his mother’s finances and had installed spyware on her laptop.
The judge noted that Kwan’s actions struck at the heart of public confidence in the healthcare profession and emphasized his obsession with money. Kwan’s disguise was described as amateurish and clumsy, leading to his eventual arrest. The court also imposed a restraining order preventing Kwan from contacting the victim.
In conclusion, the case highlighted the dangerous consequences of Kwan’s actions and the impact it had on the victim. The judge’s recognition of Kwan’s dangerousness and the sentencing reflected the severity of the crime committed. It serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding trust and integrity in the healthcare profession.
