A plastic surgeon has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 22 years after stabbing his former boss and trying to set his house on fire. Peter Brooks, 61, was found guilty of two counts of attempted murder, attempted arson, and possession of a bladed article in April.

Brooks cycled to the home of Graeme Perks in Halam, near Southwell, Nottinghamshire, while wearing camouflage gear and armed with a crowbar, petrol, matches, and a knife in the early hours of 14 January 2021. He doused the ground floor of the property with petrol before stabbing fellow plastic surgeon Mr. Perks, causing life-threatening injuries.

Mr. Perks, who had recently retired, suffered severe injuries to his liver, intestines, and pancreas, with a 95% chance of death. The attack took place during a COVID lockdown while his family was asleep.

Judge Mr. Justice Pepperall described Brooks' crimes as appalling and sentenced him to life in prison. Brooks was voluntarily absent from his trial due to a hunger strike and refused to leave his cell for the sentencing hearing.

Brooks had already served more than four years in custody and will now serve 17 years in prison to complete his minimum term. His convictions followed a series of legal hearings over four years, including a mistrial and seven aborted trial dates.

Mr. Perks had provided evidence in disciplinary proceedings against Brooks prior to the attack. He described the incident as an unimaginable catastrophe for his family and expressed gratitude that he was the one injured, not his wife or son.

Henry Perks, Mr. Perks' son, called Brooks a highly dangerous and remorseless individual, emphasizing his lack of morals and remorse for his actions. Brooks showed no remorse and believed himself to be innocent of the offences.

Despite the violent act, Brooks' defense argued that there was no pre-planning beyond the day of the attack and that he is starting to show remorse for his actions.

Sources: Sky News