An Australian nurse, Karenjeet Warburton, has been suspended for four years after admitting to paying a patient US $3,000 to assault her former boyfriend—cutting off his penis and tongue—and burning his face with acid. The shocking plot, uncovered by medical authorities, led to a serious breach of both criminal law and professional ethics .
According to reports, Warburton solicited a patient under her care to carry out the gruesome attack in exchange for the money. The affray involved not only the attempted removal of sensitive body parts, but also the infliction of severe facial burns using corrosive acid. This calculated act of violence has prompted a significant backlash within the healthcare community and from law enforcement agencies.
Following an investigation by health regulators, Warburton was found guilty of conduct unbecoming of a medical practitioner. Subsequent disciplinary proceedings resulted in a four-year prohibition from practicing nursing. Authorities emphasised that her actions constituted a “flagrant violation” of professional standards, and constituted both violent offence and abuse of trust.
Medical boards and regulators have underscored that such behaviour severely undermines public confidence in healthcare providers. The nursing profession, entrusted with care and protection, relies upon strict adherence to ethical principles. Warburton’s case, officials stated, “shocked the conscience” and showed clear intent to facilitate a brutal, premeditated assault.
The victim—her ex‑boyfriend—sustained life‑altering injuries, though further medical details were not disclosed publicly. The police have confirmed that a criminal investigation remains ongoing, with potential for further charges relating to assault, conspiracy to maim, and grievous bodily harm.
This case has stirred calls for more rigorous monitoring of patient‑provider interactions and tighter oversight of professionals in vulnerable settings. Critics argue that the betrayal of a patient trust—by paying someone in their care to perpetrate violence—exposes a disturbing gap in safeguards within both mental health and general healthcare systems.
While Warburton’s licence remains suspended for at least four years, the broader consequences of her actions are still unfolding. Legal authorities have not ruled out criminal prosecution, and professional bodies warn that if convicted, she could face permanent removal from the nursing register. In the meantime, this disturbing episode stands as a stark reminder of the vital importance of ethics and accountability in healthcare.
