A renowned plastic surgeon has been found guilty of a meticulously planned and vicious attempt to murder a fellow doctor he harboured deep resentment towards, following a long-standing professional dispute.
Peter Brooks, 61, formerly a consultant in burns and reconstructive surgery, was convicted at Leicester Crown Court on multiple charges, including two counts of attempted murder, attempted arson with intent to endanger life, and possession of a knife in a public place. The jury deliberated for more than 12 hours before delivering the verdict.
Brooks attacked his former colleague, Graeme Perks, 65, in the early hours of 14 January 2021, during a national COVID-19 lockdown. Armed with a knife, petrol, and matches, Brooks cycled through snowy conditions to Perks’ home in Halam, Nottinghamshire, where he stabbed the retired surgeon and tried to set the house ablaze while Perks’ wife and son slept upstairs.
Jurors were told Brooks bore a deep grudge against Mr Perks, who had given evidence during disciplinary proceedings that threatened Brooks’ job at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. Prosecutor Tracy Ayling KC told the court the defendant “hated Graeme Perks” and wanted him “out of the way”.
The court heard the attack was premeditated and chilling in its execution. Brooks smashed through the conservatory of the house, doused the ground floor in petrol, and launched a ferocious stabbing assault when Perks came downstairs to investigate. The victim suffered life-threatening injuries to his liver, pancreas, and intestines, and was given just a 5% chance of survival.
In a bizarre twist, Brooks did not attend his month-long trial. He was voluntarily absent, having gone on hunger strike in protest, claiming he would “rather be dead than incarcerated”. He also dismissed his legal team and represented himself, albeit without ever directly addressing the jury.
During a short appearance via video link from HMP Norwich on 1 April, Brooks was seen lying on the floor, stating that sitting in his wheelchair made him feel unwell. He told the judge, Mr Justice Pepperall, that he needed more time to prepare his defence but then refused to participate further, asking to be returned to his cell.
The court was told that Brooks had a history of using hunger strikes and threats of self-harm to manipulate proceedings. The judge noted that he had done so on “no fewer than eight occasions” since 2021.
Following a series of delays, including a mistrial in 2022 due to a medical complication from radiotherapy, and several other abandoned hearings, the case finally concluded this week.
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Despite putting forward multiple possible defences – including self-defence and lack of intent – Brooks never testified. Prosecutors said this was a deliberate attempt to frustrate justice.
Sentencing will take place at the same court on 3 June. Brooks, also known as Jonathan, is expected to attend.
Following the verdict, Rachael Dean of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Peter Brooks committed an act of extreme violence, attempting to murder a highly respected colleague. Since committing these atrocious acts, Brooks has sought to evade responsibility by any means. Today, justice has caught up with him.”
Detective Inspector Matt Scott of Nottinghamshire Police described the attack as a “vicious and calculating” assault that very nearly cost a man his life. “Over the last four years, the victim and his family have been through an extremely distressing ordeal, and I would like to thank them for the enormous courage and dignity they have shown throughout this process.”
Manjeet Shehmar, medical director at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, expressed sympathies to those affected and confirmed that Brooks’ contract had been terminated in January 2021.
The court’s ruling marks the end of a harrowing chapter for the Perks family and shines a spotlight on a shocking betrayal within the medical profession.
