Peter Brooks, who cycled to his ex-boss’s home armed with petrol and weapons, has been convicted of attempted murder following a harrowing premeditated assault.
Former plastic surgeon Peter Brooks has been found guilty of attempting to murder his ex-colleague and former supervisor, Mr Graeme Perks, after a meticulously planned attack at the victim’s home in Nottinghamshire during the early hours of 14 January 2021.
Wearing full camouflage and carrying a crowbar, knife, fuel and matches, the 61-year-old cycled to Mr Perks’ property in Halam, near Southwell, before dousing the downstairs area with petrol and launching a violent knife attack. The court heard that Brooks had harboured deep resentment after disciplinary proceedings that had been supported by Mr Perks, and was facing the possible loss of his job with Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
Brooks was absent for the majority of his trial at Loughborough Courthouse, choosing instead to go on a hunger strike and declaring he would “rather be dead than incarcerated.” He had also dismissed his legal team and opted not to be represented.
The jury was told that Mr Perks, who had just retired, suffered severe life-threatening injuries including damage to his liver, pancreas and intestines. At the time of the assault, his wife and children were asleep upstairs, unaware of the immediate danger in their home during the COVID lockdown.
Evidence presented included Brooks’ blood found at the crime scene, on the knife handle, and on the crowbar used to break in. Police also discovered a container of fuel with his bicycle and camouflage clothing at the site.
Brooks fled the property after the stabbing but was discovered later that morning, injured and lying on a bench, and subsequently arrested. The court later learned he had made repeated attempts over four years to delay legal proceedings through medical complications, mistrials, and self-harm threats.
Despite arguing that his actions may have been influenced by autism or a possible eating disorder, Brooks was convicted on all charges, including two counts of attempted murder, attempted arson with intent to endanger life, and possession of a knife in public.
During the trial, prosecutor Tracy Ayling KC stated that the attack was driven by hatred, describing Brooks’ motive as wanting Mr Perks “out of the way.” Jurors took over 12 hours to reach a unanimous verdict.
Mr Justice Pepperall noted that Brooks had used hunger strikes or the threat of self-harm at least eight times since 2021 to manipulate court procedures. The judge had permitted a 48-hour adjournment for Brooks to give evidence, but the defendant refused, stating he was too unwell.
Sentencing is scheduled for 3 June at the same court. Nottingham University Hospitals’ medical director Manjeet Shehmar expressed sympathy to those affected, including Mr Perks and his family, stating the Trust respected the court’s decision.
The case marks the end of a prolonged legal saga involving one of the most disturbing betrayals in recent NHS history.
