Ukrainian dentist who moonlights as a powerlifter faces jail time after she was caught treating patients when she was supposed to be in self-isolation
- A Ukrainian-born dentist and weightlifter has admitted to breaching quarantine
- Nataliia Nairn treated several patients while should have been in self-isolation
- The 30-year-old was warned by magistrate she would likely receive a jail term
A Ukrainian dentist working who treated patients while she was supposed to self-isolating now faces serious jail time.
Nataliia Nairn, 30, pleaded guilty to two charges of failing to comply with and order of the Emergency Management Act in a Perth court on Friday, according to The West Australian.
Nairn, who is also a powerlifter in her spare time, was supposed to be in self-isolation after flying to Western Australia from the east coast on June 16.
Nataliia Nairn (pictured) pleaded guilty to two charges of failing to comply with and order of the Emergency Management Act in a Perth court on Friday
However, when police officers visited her home in the Perth suburb of Tapping between June 17 and 18 she was not there.
Officers then claim she treated multiple patients between June 21 and June 29 at her Joondalup dental clinic.
Friday was Nairn’s second listing in Joondalup Magistrates Court after she failed to appear at her original hearing.
She also declined to seek legal representation which drew a word of warning from magistrate Sandra De Maio.
‘I understand you’re anxious to get this over and done with but these are significant charges,’ Ms De Maio said.
The police prosecutor agreed that the charges were ‘significant’ breaches and asserted they would be seeking a jail term.
The offences carry a maximum penalty of $50,000 or 12 months in prison.
Ms De Maio suggested Nairn hire a lawyer who could help should she want to apply for a spent conviction.
‘You might regret doing things too soon too fast if you find yourself in jail. Now that you know the implications, I think you should put the brakes on to prepare… and have some time to get a lawyer,’ she said.
She also suggested the dentist gather character references which could help her considering she has no previous convictions.
Nairn was granted bail to return to court on August 7 for sentencing.
Nairn, who is also a powerlifter in her spare time, was supposed to be in self-isolation when she treated patients