Man, 33, denies swindling £160 from a 92-year-old woman by giving her a fake coronavirus vaccine

A MAN has today denied swindling £160 from a 92-year-old woman by giving her a fake coronavirus vaccine.

David Chambers, 33, allegedly knocked on the door of the pensioner's home claiming he had been sent to administer a vaccine.

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The court heard he had then "pressed something to the back of her wrist" before asking for money on December 30.

The elderly woman handed over £160.

The Old Bailey was told Chambers then returned to the home and demanded another £100 from the woman – which she refused.

The pensioner was not injured by the contact with Chambers when he allegedly administered the vaccine.

Matt Barrowcliffe, prosecuting, said: "This was deliberate targeting of vulnerable persons."

Police had previously circulated footage of a suspect near the home as they launched an investigation.

Chambers appeared in the dock wearing a grey tracksuit and spoke only to confirm his identity.

He also denies two charges of breaching lockdown restrictions for being outside without a reasonable excuse which will be dealt with after trial at magistrates' court.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram remanded Chambers into custody and sent his case for a pre-trial hearing at Kingston-Upon-Thames Crown Court on 12 February.

Chambers, of Surbiton, denies assault by beating, two counts of fraud by false representation, and two counts of breaching lockdown restrictions.

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