Breast Surgeon Defies Authorities by Not Providing Testimony at Inquest Commencement
Disgraced breast surgeon Ian Paterson declined to participate in the initial inquest out of over 60 proceedings delving into the deaths of his breast cancer patients, citing a perceived bias in the investigative process.
Court documents revealed that the surgeon, currently serving a 20-year prison term after being convicted of multiple wounding charges in 2017, was instructed by coroner Richard Foster to remotely provide testimony at Birmingham and Solihull Coroner’s Court. This first inquest pertained to the case of Chloe Nikitas, who passed away at age 43 in April 2008.
Despite Foster’s ruling that Paterson should attend all 62 inquests, the surgeon failed to appear on the opening day, claiming that the coroner’s investigation was unfair and skewed against him.
Notwithstanding this decision, the coroner has the authority to impose penalties on Paterson, including a fine, prosecution for nonappearance, or even a referral for contempt of court. Foster hopes that the surgeon might still change his mind and attend future inquests to address the families of the deceased victims.
The inquests aim to determine Paterson’s role in the deaths of his cancer patients, with the potential for further criminal charges if any deaths are ruled as unlawful. Paterson faced allegations in 2020 of conducting unauthorized and unnecessary surgeries on over 1,000 patients, some of whom received false cancer diagnoses.
The court heard testimonies detailing Nikitas’ unfortunate experience and subsequent terminal diagnosis following procedures carried out by Paterson. Her partner highlighted the lack of alternative treatment options presented to Nikitas, who ultimately succumbed to the disease three years later.
Given the serious nature of the case and the impact on victims and their families, the inquests are set to continue for an extended period to uncover the full extent of Paterson’s malpractice.
