Loughborough, U.K. — In a chilling assault that shook the medical community, a plastic surgeon was convicted for attempting to kill a former colleague following a professional dispute. Peter Brooks, 61, orchestrated a premeditated attack involving fire and a knife on Graeme Perks, 67, in his home during the early hours of January 14, 2021.
Brooks, who had been involved in disciplinary proceedings at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, targeted Perks days after learning that the proceedings could lead to the termination of his employment. During the lockdown-quieted night, Brooks broke into Perks’ £1 million residence, armed with petrol, matches, and a knife — all while dressed in camouflage.
The situation escalated when Perks, alerted by the noise of his conservatory window being smashed, descended the stairs only to find his feet dampened by petrol. Moments later, he sustained a blow, resulting in severe injuries to his abdomen. The injuries were deemed life-threatening, with doctors later giving Perks a grim 95% probability of mortality. However, a combination of quick medical response and skilled surgery saved his life.
Perks’ wife and son found him gravely wounded, prompting an emergency call that brought immediate medical assistance. Brooks was discovered hours later, cold and asleep on a bench in the Perks’ garden, leading to his arrest and subsequent hospitalization for hand injuries sustained during the attack.
The gravity of Brooks’ actions was underscored by the jury at Leicester Crown Court, which deliberated over 12 hours before finding him guilty of two counts of attempted murder, attempted arson with intent to endanger life, and possession of a knife in a public place. The trial revealed Brooks’ deep-seated resentment towards Perks, who had recently retired but was involved in the disciplinary hearing against Brooks.
Further complicating the trial was Brooks’ choice to conduct a hunger strike, citing a preference for death over incarceration. This action forced several delays and adaptations in the trial proceedings, including Brooks’ remote appearance via video link from HMP Norwich. Despite these challenges, the trial proceeded with jurors admonished not to speculate on his physical absence from the courtroom.
Legal and medical professionals alike have been following the case closely, given its implications for workplace safety and the handling of internal disputes within high-stakes professions like medicine. Manjeet Shehmar, Medical Director at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, expressed respect for the court’s decision and extended sympathies to those impacted, particularly Perks and his family.
Rachael Dean from the Crown Prosecution Service highlighted the severe premeditation and violence involved in Brooks’ attack, emphasizing the jeopardy not only to Perks but his entire family. The legal proceedings, prolonged by several mishaps and abortive efforts by Brooks to evade responsibility, finally culminated in his conviction.
As the medical community and the public alike grapple with the ramifications of this case, it serves as a stark reminder of the depths of animosity that can develop in professional relationships and the horrifying lengths to which some individuals might go when they perceive their career to be under threat. Brooks awaits sentencing scheduled for June 3, bringing a close to a saga that has captured the attention of many and left a family forever altered by violence.