Graeme Stephen Reeves, who was dubbed the Butcher of Bega following hundreds of complaints from female patients, had his minimum parole period cut by six months by the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal.
Survivor Carolyn, who woke from what should have been a minor operation 12 years ago to the unimaginable horror of realising she had been mutilated, was angry but not surprised by today’s judgement.
“It seems to be that Reeves is a protected species,” she told The Weekly outside court. “What has happened to me is for life and nothing can ever fix it.”
Lorraine Long, of the Medical Error Action Group which forced Reeves’ case under a national spotlight, said Reeves’ sentence didn’t compare with that of others found guilty of assault.
“But if you look at the other side of it, getting a doctor into a criminal court is an achievement in itself,” she added. “The message that it does send, not so much with today’s judgement, is, ‘doctors, we are watching you and if you think you can get away with conduct like this, you can’t anymore.'”
Reeves originally served 18 months of a two and a half year jail term for maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm on patient Carolyn Dewaegeneire with intent. His sentence was extended on appeal but this decision was overturned by the High Court because of his worsening health.
Reeves was released from jail last Christmas and will now serve no more time behind bars. His parole period will end on May 31, 2016.
Carolyn, who plans to write a book about her experience, has suffered long-term physical and emotional harm from the operation and fallout.
Her decision to speak out publicly against Reeves in 2008 sparked a flood of complaints, culminating in a criminal case, inquiry and changes NSW law that compel doctors to report serious misconduct by medical colleagues.
She has determinedly pursued her case, attending every court hearing and regularly speaking out to highlight the plight of victims.
Reeves, who has kidney disease and requires dialysis, was not in court today.
