The trial involving a man accused of pretending to be a doctor and 'treating' unsuspecting persons, is to begin on March 21. The accused, Derrick Palmer, appeared before RM Desiree Alleyne in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.

Palmer, originally from Cave Valley, St. Ann, but living at a Kingston 10 address, is charged with breaches of the Medical Act. .

It is alleged that from as early as 2005, and possibly even earlier, Palmer deceived persons by telling them that he was a medical practitioner. He reportedly introduced himself as Dr. Palmer, and told victims that he worked and lived on the compound of the University Hospital.

Further reports are that on June 17, 2005, one of his many female 'patients' visited him and he prescribed medication, including eyedrops and tablets. She fell ill, but figured that she would have been worse without the so-called medication.

On September 6, 2005, the same woman received a dog bite, and Palmer reportedly admin-istered what he said was a tetanus shot to her bare buttocks. She fell ill again, but this time decided to go to the hospital to visit him. No one knew of him, but a doctor advised her that a tetanus shot should only be given in the shoulder, and not on the buttocks. She later discovered that he was an enrolled nurse at the Mona Rehabilitation Centre. She went there and confronted him but told the police that he ran from her.

The matter was reported and Palmer was arrested and charged.