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Charge dropped over ‘fake’ WA COVID jab

Christina Hartmann Benz leaves the Perth Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Christina Hartmann Benz leaves the Perth Magistrates Court on Tuesday. Photo: AAP

A Perth nurse accused of faking a COVID-19 vaccine jab to a teenager has had her charge dropped.

Christina Hartmann Benz, 51, was allegedly observed by a doctor last month failing to administer a shot to a teen who she knows.

It was alleged the registered nurse, who worked at a private medical centre in St James, inserted the needle into the teenager’s arm but didn’t push down on the plunger.

She was accused of disposing the full syringe and making a false entry in the medical records system, which recorded that another medical centre staffer had administered the dose instead of her.

Police further alleged the woman had obtained approval from her employer to administer the vaccine to people she knew at the clinic.

The medical centre reported the alleged breach to WA Police and Mr Benz was arrested at her Byford home before being charged with one count of gaining benefit by fraud.

During a brief hearing in Perth Magistrates Court on Tuesday, it was revealed the charge had been discontinued. No reason was given for the decision.

The court awarded Ms Benz $1500 in costs.

Ms Benz and her lawyer declined to comment outside court.

-AAP

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