A plastic surgeon dressed in camouflage attempted to kill a fellow doctor while armed with a crowbar, cans of gasoline, matches and a knife, a court heard.
Jonathan Brooks reportedly donned camouflage clothing before cycling to Graeme Perks’ home on January 14, 2021.
Prosecutors alleged that the 58-year-old, who specialized in burns and plastics, disliked Mr Perks, also a plastic surgeon, and wanted him “out of the way” because he was a witness in pending disciplinary proceedings against him, who killed three started months ago. days before the incident.
Nottingham Crown Court judges were told that Mr Brooks had broken into Mr Perks’ family home in Halam, Nottinghamshire through the conservatory before dousing the ground floor of the house with petrol.
Perks went downstairs after hearing a noise prompting Mr Brooks to stop the arson attempt and stab him in the abdomen, the court heard.
Defendant ‘intended to kill’ doctor
The prosecution said Perks’ wife and son were at the property at the time of the incident.
Prosecutor Tracy Ayling QC said: “The suspect was dressed in a full camouflage jacket, trousers and hat. He had a headlamp. He got on his bicycle, armed with a crowbar, cans of gasoline, matches and a knife.
“His intention, says the Crown, was to break into Mr. Perks’ house, set it on fire, and, if necessary, stab Mr Perks.
“Basically, he intended to kill Mr. Perks.”
Disciplinary procedure
Regarding the disciplinary proceedings against Mr Brooks, Ms Ayling said: “There is no doubt that the defendant had had enough of those proceedings on January 14.
“Just as clearly, says the Crown, he decided that instead of following the law, he would take the law into his own hands.
“The prosecution does not have to prove motive for a crime, let alone the crimes you are considering.
“However, it is clear that the defendant hated Graeme Perks and you can conclude from the evidence that he wanted him out of the way.”
Mr Brooks denies attempted murder, three counts of arson with intent to endanger the life of the Perks family, and possession of a knife in a public place.
The process continues.