Ian Paterson's victims write to Justice Secretary in last-ditch attempt to halt open prison move

Devastated victims of jailed breast Ian Paterson have written to the in a bid to halt his transfer to an open .

Families penned the letter to after it emerged officials agreed the disgraced medic could move to a Category D prison. Paterson, 64, carried out botched procedures on more than 1,000 breast patients over 14 years.

The letter, written by Solihull MP Saqib Bhatti on behalf of victims, reads: "Many of my constituents have been affected by [Paterson's] actions whether directly because they were patients or because loved ones were and sadly did not survive. None of the victims were notified that Mr Paterson was being moved and only found out through media reports.

"Given that Mr Paterson remains under investigation for further crimes, my constituents are asking for the decision to move Mr. Paterson to be moved to a lower-category prison to be removed and reversed. I would be grateful if you could consider this with a matter of urgency."

Victims have also launched an online petition – which has amassed nearly 2,000 signatures – urging ministers to stop the move. Survivor Deborah Douglas, who started the appeal, said: "Paterson was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his heinous acts that resulted in significant harm to his patients. Transferring him to a lower-security facility would not only undermine the severity of his crimes but also silence the voices of the victims and their families who are still seeking justice and closure."

Sally Atterbury, the daughter of victim Sylvia Atterbury, added: "He [Paterson] is attempting to manipulate the court. What about the victims! They no longer have a say, and their families just want answers. Our health and wellbeing needs to be taken into consideration. He's a convict."

Paterson was convicted of 17 counts of wounding with intent and three counts of unlawful wounding. Jurors heard he carried out unnecessary operations where he had exaggerated or invented the risk of cancer. He had worked at the Spire Parkway Hospital and Spire Little Aston Hospital in Birmingham between 1997 and 2011, as well as run by the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust.

Inquests into the deaths of 62 of his patients opened last month at Birmingham and Solihull Coroner’s Court. The number could be even higher as more cases are expected to be referred.

Paterson is set to move from his Category C to a Category D. Category D lockups have minimal security and allow eligible prisoners to spend most of their day away from the prison on licence to carry out work and education.

The Ministry of Justice said any decision to move an offender to open conditions is made by prison governors after strict risk assessments. A statement added: “If they step out of line they face being returned to closed conditions immediately."

To support the petition, visit