An NHS vascular surgeon who had his own legs removed, has admitted two counts of insurance fraud and three of possessing extreme pornography.
Neil Hopper, 49, of Truro, Cornwall, carried out hundreds of amputation operations before having his own legs removed in 2019.
Truro Crown Court heard he lied to insurers by claiming that injuries to his legs were the result of sepsis and not self-inflicted.
It heard that in May 2019 Hopper had below knee amputations after a “mysterious illness”. In fact he had used ice and dry ice to freeze his own legs so they had to be removed, the court heard.
It heard Hopper had a “sexual interest in amputation”.
Hopper had both legs amputated in May 2019 after complaining that his feet were in pain.
He was treated for suspected sepsis before he was told by surgeons that he should have amputations and he was operated on.
He did not tell the medics the real cause of his injuries, the court heard.
