Jonathan Peter Brooks, 58, is on trial for the attempted murder of fellow consultant plastic surgeon Graeme Perks, who was a witness in disciplinary proceedings against the defendant which began three days before the incident on January 14, 2021. The prosecution said the defendant “hated” Perks and “wanted him gone.” “The accused had had enough of these proceedings. The Crown says he decided that, rather than follow the law, he was going to take the law into his own hands,” prosecutor Tracy Ayling QC told Nottingham Crown Court. “His intention was, the Crown say, to break into Mr. Perks’ house, set it on fire and, if necessary, stab Mr. Perks. He was armed, with the intent to kill.” Graeme Perks. Photo: BAPRAS/PA He told the jury Brooks left his home in the early hours of the morning wearing full camouflage and a flare gun, and carrying a crowbar, knife, petrol cans and matches. He cycled to Perks’ home in the Nottinghamshire village of Hallam and broke into the conservatory before dousing the ground floor and staircase with petrol, Ayling told the court. Perks was awakened by a loud noise and ran downstairs to see a figure just outside the conservatory. At first she thought it was Henry’s son, she told police in an interview. When disturbed by Perks, Brooks stabbed him in the abdomen and ran off, leaving a trail of blood and other items, the court heard. He returned home but was later found cold and asleep in a garden and taken to hospital where he was arrested. Perks’ wife and son, who were home at the time of the break-in, found him bleeding profusely and called an ambulance. “They put out an alarm and the police and ambulance soon attended. Because of quick action and amazing surgical skill, Graeme Perks lives,” Ayling told the court. He lost about six liters of blood and went into a medically induced coma, causing damage to his pancreas and liver. It was the opinion of the surgeon who treated him that 95% of people with his injuries would not have survived. Brooks, from Southwell, denies attempted murder, three counts of arson with intent to endanger the lives of Graeme, Beverley and Henry Perks and possession of a knife in a public place. The trial continues.
