£18million paid out by NHS to patients treated by Ian Paterson
The NHS has paid out nearly £18 million to more than 250 patients treated by a breast surgeon found guilty of unnecessary operations.
Ian Paterson described in court by one victim as being "like God", lied to patients at risk of cancer to convince them to go under the knife.
The 59-year-old was convicted of 17 counts of wounding with intent and three counts of unlawful wounding against 10 patients.
One solicitor has said the surgeon could have "hundreds, if not thousands" of other victims.
A Freedom of Information request by the Press Association revealed the NHS has resolved 256 cases, while a further 25 cases are still to be heard.
The surgeon had maintained all the operations were necessary.
A jury at Nottingham Crown Court found that Paterson had carried out "extensive, life-changing operations for no medically justifiable reason".
The Judge has granted Paterson conditional bail until his sentencing next month.