Leading UK plastic surgeon Jonathan Peter Brooks has been convicted of attempted murder after he made a horrific attack on his ex-colleague. The 61-year-old smashed into consultant plastic surgeon Graeme Perks’ home, splashed petrol around the house, and stabbed him, reports claimed.
The attack was witnessed on the early morning hours of January 14, 2021, while the nation was under the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Brooks, with hatred towards Perks, biked through wintry weather conditions to Perks’ Nottinghamshire residence. Dressed in camouflage clothing, Brooks carried a knife, crowbar, petrol, and matches with him.
The court was told Brooks smashed his way through the conservatory to gain entry into the property. Perks, who had just retired and was 65 years old at the time, woke up and went downstairs only to find his feet soaked in petrol. Seconds later, he experienced a sudden ‘blow to his body’, the jury was informed. Brooks had already poured petrol on the walls of the stairs, and Perks’ wife and youngest son were sleeping upstairs.
The attack left Perks with catastrophic injuries to his liver, pancreas, and intestines. Prosecutors said the injuries were ‘extremely life-threatening’ and that he was told he had a 95% chance of dying. Prosecutors claimed Brooks ‘loathed Graeme Perks’ and wanted him ‘out of the way’. The motive allegedly resulted from Perks’ testimony during disciplinary hearings against Brooks.
Brooks was found asleep on a garden bench and arrested after the attack.
Throughout the month-long trial at Loughborough Crown Court, Brooks did not appear. According to reports from The Guardian, he went on hunger strike, declaring, “I would rather be dead than incarcerated.” He also sacked his entire legal team prior to the trial, adding afterwards: “I have had enough of being in prison. I don’t particularly want to die, but if my choice is between incarceration and death, I would rather be dead than incarcerated.”
Jurors deliberated for more than 12 hours before reaching a verdict. Brooks was found guilty of two counts of attempted murder, attempted arson with intent to endanger life, and possession of a knife in a public place.
