Surgeon Neil Hopper admits fraud over amputation of own legs

BBCNeil Hopper was motivated by sexual curiosity in amputation, the courtroom heardAn NHS vascular surgeon who had his personal legs eliminated has admitted two counts of insurance coverage fraud and three of possessing excessive pornography.Neil Hopper, 49, of Truro, Cornwall, carried out a whole bunch of amputation operations earlier than having his personal legs eliminated in 2019.Truro Crown Court docket heard he lied to insurers by claiming that accidents to his legs had been the results of sepsis and never self-inflicted.It heard that in Might 2019 Hopper had under knee amputations after a “mysterious sickness”. In truth he had used ice and dry ice to freeze his personal legs in order that they needed to be eliminated, the courtroom heard.Tempted by ‘greed’It heard Hopper had a “sexual curiosity in amputation”.Hopper had each legs amputated in Might 2019 after complaining that his toes had been in ache.He was handled for suspected sepsis earlier than he was advised by surgeons that he ought to have amputations and he was operated on.He didn’t inform the medics the actual explanation for his accidents, the courtroom heard.The fraudulent insurance coverage claims from two companies totalled greater than £466,000 the courtroom heard.He was tempted by “greed” the courtroom was advised.He had messaged a good friend in regards to the claims saying he ought to “milk it”.Greater than £50,000 of insurance coverage cash was despatched to spouse, £22,000 on a camper van, one other £255,000 on constructing works and residential enhancements and a sizzling tub.He “loved” the curiosity from the media in his case, prosecutors advised the courtroom.”His motivations had been a mix of obsession with eradicating components of his personal physique and a sexual curiosity in doing so,” the courtroom was advised.”It appears to have been a long-standing ambition of his,” the courtroom heard.This breaking information story is being up to date and extra particulars shall be printed shortly. Please refresh the web page for the fullest model.You possibly can obtain Breaking Information on a smartphone or pill by way of the BBC Information App. You can even comply with @BBCBreaking on X to get the newest alerts.