A DOCTOR stabbed by a mentally-ill patient, who thought drugs he had been prescribed were turning him into a woman, would treat his attacker again.

Matthew Richards was sent to Broadmoor indefinitely after admitting stabbing Dr Ian Brooman in his surgery, in Nightingale Way, Swanley.

Dr Brooman, 50, lost eight pints of blood after his lung was punctured in the attack, in the Oaks Surgery, last February

Dr Richards said: “I cannot see any reason not to be his doctor again. I don't have any feelings toward Matthew. At the time of the crime he was mentally ill. It was a cry for help.

“He arrived at my surgery the year before he stabbed me, having already been prescribed Risperidone by his psychiatrist.

“Risperidone is a major tranquilliser and he was taking it because he had a problem with anger. It is a sedative used for paranoid schizophrenia. He is still not well. He needs supervised help for the forseable future.”

Richards had been suffering from a progressive mental illness for 10 years with a marked deterioration in the 18 months leading up to the attack.

Canterbury Crown Court heard, on the day of the stabbing, Richards was convinced the Risperidone was turning him into a woman.

Dr Brooman added: “In the light of the mental health white paper, I understand he probably will be released in the future into a secure environment where he can be observed. We would be wise to accept this.”

“The stabbing has not affected my life. Ten weeks afterwards I returned to full time work at the surgery. It was no problem. I have a strong marriage and the staff and patients have been very kind and supportive.”