British doctor poisons mother’s partner faking it as COVID booster in twisted inheritance plot

A British doctor on Monday (Oct 7) confessed to attempting to kill his mother’s longtime partner to secure an inheritance. The doctor, Thomas Kwan, injected Patrick O'Hara with poison under the guise of administering a COVID-19 vaccine booster.

Doctor posed as nurse to administer poison disguised as COVID booster

Kwan posed as a community nurse and injected the 72-year-old O'Hara with a toxic substance, likely a pesticide, causing a severe and dangerous condition known as "flesh-eating disease," according to BBC report.

Initially, 53-year-old Kwan had denied the attempted murder charges but later changed his plea to guilty as prosecutors presented their evidence at Newcastle Crown Court in northeast England.

Doctor used fake businesses and disguises to execute the perfect plan

The court heard that over several months, Kwan devised a plan to get access to O'Hara, using fake businesses, forged documents, and disguises to carry out his scheme.

Prosecutor Peter Makepeace KC revealed that Kwan had an extensive knowledge of poisons and had researched how to commit murder undetected. Last November, Kwan wrote to O'Hara, claiming the elderly man was a priority for a home-visit COVID booster shot due to his age.

Makepeace told jurors: “As, I suspect, would any of us, Mr O’Hara fell for it hook, line and sinker; he had not the slightest suspicion that this was anything other than a genuine NHS community care initiative which he warmly welcomed and was grateful for.”

Kwan arrived at his mother’s home in a long coat, flat cap, gloves, a medical mask, and tinted glasses. He spent 45 minutes examining O’Hara, even checking his mother’s blood pressure at her request.

Kwan informed O'Hara that he needed a COVID booster shot, even though he had received one only three months prior. When Kwan administered the injection, O'Hara, who had been his mother’s partner for over 20 years, cried out in pain. Kwan then hurriedly packed up his equipment and left, reassuring O'Hara that a reaction like this was not unusual.

Additionally, Kwan had installed spyware on his mother's computer, allowing him to track their online activity and secretly photograph them, as reported by the BBC.

Victim underwent life-saving surgery after contracting necrotizing fasciitis

The next day, O'Hara, in severe pain and with a blistered arm, sought medical help at a hospital, where he was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis. Doctors had to remove part of his arm to stop the infection from spreading, and he spent several weeks in intensive care.

Police investigation found toxic chemicals in Kwan's home

Surveillance footage eventually led to Kwan’s identification. When police searched his home, they found various toxic chemicals, including arsenic and mercury, along with castor beans, which can be used to make the deadly substance ricin.

Detective Chief Inspector Jason Henry said in a statement: "Thomas Kwan's actions were utterly despicable. He used his medical knowledge to deceive the victim, pretending it was a legitimate appointment before administering a poison that caused immense pain and suffering."

(With inputs from agencies)