Top plastic surgeon, 56, is charged with attempting to murder ex-colleague surgeon, 65

A plastic surgeon has appeared in court accused of attempting to murder a fellow surgeon who was found stabbed at his home.  

Graeme Perks was knifed in the abdomen and chest after going to investigate an ‘intruder’ at his home in Halam, Nottinghamshire.

The retired surgeon and father-of-four, 65, still has ‘life threatening injuries’ and remains in hospital.

Plastic surgeon Jonathan Peter Brooks appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court today charged with attempting to murder Mr Perks, three counts of attempted arson with intent to endanger life and possession of a knife.

Police found Mr Perks with stab wounds and the ground floor of his £800,000 property had been covered with petrol, the court heard. 

Jonathan Brooks, left, was charged with attempted murder, attempted arson with intent to endanger life, and possession of a knife in a public place. Right, Graeme Perks suffered puncture wounds to his abdomen and chest

Graeme Perks was attacked at his home in the village of Halam in Nottinghamshire, after going to investigate the sound of breaking glass. Pictured, police at the scene last week

Brooks spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during a 15-minute hearing at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court today.

He was remanded in custody to next appear at Nottingham Crown Court on February 15. 

Wearing a grey tracksuit, he asked if could be seated throughout the proceedings and if he could remove his facemask in the dock. 

Graeme Perks was one of Britain’s top plastic surgeons before he retired

District Judge Leo Pyle said: ‘Mr Brooks, you are charged with that on January 14 of this year you attempted to murder Graeme Perks, that you attempted to commit arson to endanger life and you are also charged with possession of a bladed article namely a kitchen knife.

‘This case will be sent to Nottingham Crown Court for trial and the initial hearing will be February 15. I have considered the nature and seriousness of the charges you are facing.

‘It is necessary that you are remanded in custody until February 15.’ 

Mr Perks was reportedly Mr Brooks’ line manager at Nottingham City Hospital, where they worked together until 2012. 

Prosecutor Sanjay Jerath said Mr Perks still has ‘life threatening injuries’ and remains in hospital. 

Mr Perks was one of Britain’s top breast-augmentation surgeons before he retired from a 25-year career as a plastic surgery consultant last November. 

He previously held leadership roles in the NHS, is a former chairman of the East Midlands Cancer Network and was president and chairman of the trustees of the charity BAPRAS in 2013 and 2014.

He was also a member of the Board for the International Confederation of Plastic Surgery Societies between 2016 and 2018.  

BAPRAS described him as ‘one of the most highly regarded and respected surgeons in the profession’ – while neighbours described him as a ‘pillar of the community’.

Forensic officers could on Friday be seen searching Mr Brooks’ £600,000 five-bedroomed detached house

Speaking after the charging decision, Detective Inspector Gayle Hart, who is leading the investigation, said: ‘Our investigations into this case have led us to charge a man. We are not now looking for anyone else in connection with this investigation.

‘The victim is still in the intensive care unit and is still in a serious but stable condition. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.

‘If anyone has any information in relation to this case, we would urge them to still contact us.’

Police have urged anyone with information about the incident, or who saw anything suspicious in the area between 2am and 5am on Thursday morning, to contact them on 101, quoting incident number 44 of 14 January 2021, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.