Waikato 'fake psychiatrist' case adjourned a third time

A man who posed as a psychiatrist treating vulnerable people in Waikato in 2015 wants to apply to withdraw his guilty plea.

Mohamed Shakeel Siddiqui pleaded guilty on March 13 to four charges including using forged documents, obtaining a licence by deception and receiving a salary of $165,250 while working for the Waikato DHB.

The case has been set for sentencing three times, but each time it has been adjourned.

Firstly on April 6, his counsel sought leave to withdraw from the case and Siddiqui had to apply for legal aid to get a new lawyer.

Sentencing was again delayed at a hearing on May 24 and again on Monday after his lawyer Tom Sutcliffe told the Hamilton District Court Siddiqui would have to again change lawyer because he now wishes to vacate his guilty plea.

"There has been a considerable amount of inconvenience to date both to potential victims and to other court users," Judge Marshall said.

A further hearing has been set for August 17.

Newshub.