Serial Accident and Emergency user given an Asbo

A man was given an Asbo after he faked drug overdoses to stay in hospital, government fraud investigators say.

Mark Smith, 33, from Newtown, Powys, is banned from hospitals except in a real emergency or with written permission.

The NHS Counter Fraud Service claimed he used casualty units "like hotels" on 320 occasions over a 14-year period.

It is alleged that he misused hospitals in Cardiff, Bristol, Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, and Manchester.

Investigators estimate Smith has cost the NHS an estimated £117,000 in staff time, medicine and accommodation.

Smith was bailed at Welshpool magistrates after admitting attempted deception over NHS travel expenses. He will be sentenced next month.