Oedipus rex-ed: Doctor caught in toxic plot to kill mum’s partner
In a subverted Oedipus-like tale, a once-respected doctor has admitted to plotting a shocking murder attempt by disguising himself as a community nurse and poisoning his mother’s partner with a fake Covid booster.
Hong Kong-born doctor 53 year old Thomas Kwan aimed to kill 72 year old Patrick O’Hara, who was left battling a rare flesh-eating disease after the deadly injection.
Kwan, who initially denied attempted murder, changed his plea at Newcastle Crown Court after the damning case against him was laid bare. Posing as a nurse called Raj Patel, Kwan tricked O’Hara into believing he was receiving a Covid jab during a home visit.
According to prosecutor Peter Makepeace KC, “Mr O’Hara fell for it hook, line, and sinker” and welcomed the visit with gratitude.
The terrifying plot unravelled when O’Hara developed agonising pain and alarming symptoms. Within days, he was hospitalised with necrotising fasciitis, a life-threatening condition that led to part of his arm being surgically removed.
Kwan, described as money-obsessed, saw O’Hara as an obstacle to his mother’s estate. His mother’s will allowed O’Hara to stay in her home if she died before him—a potential barrier to Kwan’s financial gain.
The Sunderland-based GP went to extreme lengths to carry out the attack, even using fake number plates and checking into a hotel under a false name. A search of his home later revealed a sinister collection of chemicals, including arsenic, mercury, and castor beans used to make ricin. Police discovered a chilling encyclopaedic knowledge of poisons on Kwan’s computers.
O’Hara survived the attempt on his life, but Kwan’s twisted actions have sparked questions about how far someone might go for financial gain. Kwan will be sentenced next week, as the court assesses the full extent of his danger to the public, reported The Independent UK.
In related news, Bangkok police revealed the jealous Thai man who fatally stabbed his wife after she had dinner with an alleged lover, tried to take his own life with a crossbow. The woman’s alleged lover is wanted for questioning.
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