Police are searching for a 22-year-old man who gained unauthorised access to hospital wards and patient files while impersonating a medical student, after he failed to appear at court for sentencing. According to BBC News, Stephen Simpson had previously admitted to carrying out the fraud at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI) between 9 December 2023 and 26 January 2024. A warrant for his arrest was issued by Sheriff William Summers after Simpson's non-appearance at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.
Simpson's defence solicitor Laura Gracie told the court she had been in contact with him, but he failed to attend the hearing. This marks the second time he has not appeared for sentencing; he had previously missed a court date claiming to have a migraine, leading to the sentence being deferred. The Scottish Sun reported that Simpson's Aberdeen flat had been cleared out, raising concerns that he may have fled the area.
How did Simpson gain access to the hospital?
Simpson accessed restricted areas of the hospital while wearing medical scrubs, NHS branded clothing, a stethoscope and a pager. He deceived hospital employees by claiming to be an authorised medical student, allowing him to move freely through staff-only areas and wards. According to the Press and Journal, Simpson used the name of a real medical student to avoid detection during his weeks at the hospital.
What charges did Simpson face?
Simpson originally faced six charges: one count of fraud and five counts of theft. He later pleaded guilty to two amended charges. He admitted that he had induced employees to allow him to remain in the hospital and gain access to restricted areas and medical files. Simpson also confessed to stealing items of NHS branded clothing, a pager, and perfume from the hospital.
What is Simpson's criminal history?
This case is not Simpson's first brush with the law. The Scottish Sun reported that Simpson had been jailed for two years in a separate case the previous month for targeting an elderly couple and using a stolen bank card. That sentence was backdated to 10 December 2025, according to reporting from the Press and Journal.
What happens next?
A postponed sentencing hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, 5 November 2026, pending Simpson's arrest. The warrant issued by Sheriff Summers remains active as police continue their search for the 22-year-old.
