Jailed Surgeon's Testimony Limited in Patient Deaths Inquest

Jailed surgeon Ian Paterson will now provide evidence only three times a month in the ongoing inquests into the deaths of 68 former patients. Paterson is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for performing botched and unnecessary operations. He has been participating in the hearings, which commenced in October 2024, via video link from jail. The coroner, Judge Richard Foster, considered Paterson's application made in June. Paterson had requested to attend only two inquests per month, citing "physical and mental health reasons" and his age, nearly 70. He also noted the denial of legal funding, impacting his ability to manage limited resources. The coroner expressed sympathy for Paterson's need for preparation time and stated he would issue a written decision regarding the request, having "agreed in principle" to allow 10 days for preparation between appearances.