A shocking case of deception and betrayal unfolded in a Newcastle courtroom as Dr. Thomas Kwan, a respected family doctor, pleaded guilty to attempting to murder his mother’s partner, Patrick O’Hara.

Prosecutors alleged that Kwan, 53, posed as a community nurse offering booster shots and injected 72-year-old O’Hara with a dangerous substance, believed to be a pesticide. This sinister act led to O’Hara developing necrotizing fasciitis, a rare and life-threatening flesh-eating disease.

The prosecution claimed Kwan’s motive was to eliminate O’Hara, who was next in line for his mother’s inheritance behind Kwan. This calculated move would have secured Kwan’s position as the sole beneficiary.

To carry out the crime, Kwan leveraged his medical expertise and employed an elaborate disguise. He:

– Forged documents
– Used a car with fake license plates
– Wore full protective gear, including tinted glasses and a surgical mask

O’Hara sought medical attention after experiencing severe pain and blisters on his arm. Doctors diagnosed him with necrotizing fasciitis, requiring:

– Emergency surgery to remove part of his arm
– Several weeks in intensive care

Surveillance footage identified Kwan, leading police to search his home. There, they discovered a stockpile of toxic chemicals, including:

– Arsenic
– Liquid mercury
– Castor beans (capable of producing ricin)

Despite pleading guilty, Kwan refused to reveal the exact substance used in the attack. This refusal prolonged O’Hara’s suffering and hindered the investigation.

Christopher Atkinson from the Crown Prosecution Service stated, “While the attempt on his victim’s life was thankfully unsuccessful, the effects were still catastrophic.”

Kwan’s guilty plea marks the beginning of his accountability for this heinous crime.