Fake doctor injected patient at event

THE organisers of Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials have “revised and strengthened” checks after a volunteer falsely claimed to be a medic.

Cassandra Grant, of Mulberry Walk, Bristol, was jailed for four years on 20 July, having pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The 39-year-old was one of the event’s general volunteers, not on the medical team, last year. After falsely claiming to be a medic, she injected a patient with an intravenous anti-sickness drug.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Tim Hawley, of Thames Valley Police, said: “Grant’s actions were extremely dangerous, especially when you consider the years of training that medical professionals undertake before they are allowed to practise.”

A Blenheim spokesman said that thanks to the procedures in place, only suitably qualified staff were appointed to the event’s medical team.

“As soon as the organisers of the horse trials were made aware that someone might have been impersonating a medical professional at their event, they referred the matter to the police,” she added.

“As a result of this investigation, the checking procedures of qualifications for skilled personnel have been revised and strengthened.”