Cornwall Surgeon Faces Fraud Charges Over Leg Amputation Claims
Published 23 July 2025
Highlights
- Neil Hopper, a vascular surgeon from Cornwall, faces fraud charges related to the amputation of his own legs.
- Hopper is accused of falsely claiming his leg injuries were due to sepsis to gain over £466,000 from insurers.
- He is also charged with encouraging grievous bodily harm by purchasing videos from a site called The Eunuch Maker.
- Hopper, who worked at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, has been suspended since March 2023.
- The charges do not relate to his professional conduct, and there is no evidence of risk to patients.
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Rewritten Article
Cornwall Surgeon Faces Fraud Charges Over Leg Amputation Claims
Neil Hopper, a 49-year-old vascular surgeon from Truro, Cornwall, has been charged with fraud and encouraging grievous bodily harm following a lengthy investigation by Devon and Cornwall Police. Hopper, who previously worked at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, appeared in court accused of falsely claiming that his leg amputations were due to sepsis, rather than self-inflicted, in an attempt to secure substantial insurance payouts.
Fraud Allegations and Court Proceedings
Hopper faces two counts of fraud by false representation, with allegations that he sought to gain £235,622 from one insurer and £231,031 from another by misrepresenting the cause of his leg injuries. The charges stem from incidents between June 3 and June 26, 2019. During a 40-minute hearing at Cornwall Magistrates' Court in Bodmin, Hopper did not enter pleas to the charges. He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear before Truro Crown Court on August 26.
Encouragement of Grievous Bodily Harm
In addition to the fraud charges, Hopper is accused of encouraging grievous bodily harm. Between August 2018 and December 2020, he allegedly purchased videos from a now-defunct website called The Eunuch Maker, which depicted the removal of limbs. He is accused of encouraging Marius Gustavson to remove body parts from third parties.
Professional Background and Public Response
Hopper, originally from Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, had been employed by the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust since 2013 until his suspension in March 2023. A spokesperson for the trust emphasized that the charges do not pertain to Hopper's professional conduct and assured that there is no evidence suggesting any risk to patients. Former patients with concerns are encouraged to contact the hospital's patient experience team.
Personal Reflections and Achievements
In a 2023 interview, Hopper reflected on his own amputations, expressing a sense of resilience and adaptability. Despite the circumstances, he noted, "I hate to say it but I’m more active since I lost my legs than I was before." Hopper was also shortlisted in the European Space Agency’s search for an astronaut with a disability, highlighting his determination to overcome personal challenges.
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Scenario Analysis
As the case progresses, legal experts suggest that the outcome could hinge on the evidence presented regarding Hopper's intent and the authenticity of his claims about the cause of his amputations. If found guilty, Hopper could face significant legal repercussions, including potential imprisonment and financial penalties. The case also raises broader ethical questions about the responsibilities of medical professionals and the potential impact on public trust in healthcare institutions. As the trial unfolds, it will be crucial for the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust to maintain transparency and support for any concerned patients, ensuring that public confidence in their services remains intact.
Neil Hopper, a 49-year-old vascular surgeon from Truro, Cornwall, has been charged with fraud and encouraging grievous bodily harm following a lengthy investigation by Devon and Cornwall Police. Hopper, who previously worked at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, appeared in court accused of falsely claiming that his leg amputations were due to sepsis, rather than self-inflicted, in an attempt to secure substantial insurance payouts.
Fraud Allegations and Court Proceedings
Hopper faces two counts of fraud by false representation, with allegations that he sought to gain £235,622 from one insurer and £231,031 from another by misrepresenting the cause of his leg injuries. The charges stem from incidents between June 3 and June 26, 2019. During a 40-minute hearing at Cornwall Magistrates' Court in Bodmin, Hopper did not enter pleas to the charges. He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear before Truro Crown Court on August 26.
Encouragement of Grievous Bodily Harm
In addition to the fraud charges, Hopper is accused of encouraging grievous bodily harm. Between August 2018 and December 2020, he allegedly purchased videos from a now-defunct website called The Eunuch Maker, which depicted the removal of limbs. He is accused of encouraging Marius Gustavson to remove body parts from third parties.
Professional Background and Public Response
Hopper, originally from Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, had been employed by the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust since 2013 until his suspension in March 2023. A spokesperson for the trust emphasized that the charges do not pertain to Hopper's professional conduct and assured that there is no evidence suggesting any risk to patients. Former patients with concerns are encouraged to contact the hospital's patient experience team.
Personal Reflections and Achievements
In a 2023 interview, Hopper reflected on his own amputations, expressing a sense of resilience and adaptability. Despite the circumstances, he noted, "I hate to say it but I’m more active since I lost my legs than I was before." Hopper was also shortlisted in the European Space Agency’s search for an astronaut with a disability, highlighting his determination to overcome personal challenges.
What this might mean
As the case progresses, legal experts suggest that the outcome could hinge on the evidence presented regarding Hopper's intent and the authenticity of his claims about the cause of his amputations. If found guilty, Hopper could face significant legal repercussions, including potential imprisonment and financial penalties. The case also raises broader ethical questions about the responsibilities of medical professionals and the potential impact on public trust in healthcare institutions. As the trial unfolds, it will be crucial for the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust to maintain transparency and support for any concerned patients, ensuring that public confidence in their services remains intact.
