‘Fake Covid-19 vaccination’ accused denies fraud and assault charges

A man accused of swindling a 92-year-old woman out of money by administering a fake Covid-19 vaccine will stand trial in August.

David Chambers, 33, allegedly turned up on Kathleen Martin’s doorstep offering to vaccinate her against coronavirus in exchange for a cash payment.

It is said he simulated a vaccination at her Surbiton home on December 30 last year, and allegedly returned on January 4 to demand more money.

Chamber appeared at Kingston crown court via videolink from HMP Wandsworth this morning to plead not guilty to two counts of fraud and an assault charge.

It is said he claimed to Mrs Martin he had been “sent to administer a vaccination against the Covid-19 virus”, and she was “required to pay a fee” for receiving the jab.

Chambers allegedly returned to her home to tell Mrs Martin she “owed a further £100 in respect of the Covid-19 vaccination you had previously administered”, according to the indictment he faces.

The assault charge relates to the alleged bogus jab itself.

Chambers was remanded in custody by Judge Elaine Coello until a three-day trial which is due to start on August 9.

The case has been prioritised due to Mrs Martin’s advanced age and time limits on holding Chambers in custody pre-trial.

Chambers, who lives in Surbiton, spoke only briefly during today’s hearing, to enter the three not guilty pleas and confirm his identity.