Never googled it, but heard he was a criminal or asshole or something along those lines... Did they do this China-style and "volunteer him?"
Criminal asshole who served time for physically attacking someone and permanently paralyzing the victim.
Doctors downplayed his past, and up to the end said he was a "noble patient."
This statement reflects their high level of psychopathy.
(But, as pointed out more than once on the Dr. Dutton/Bruce Dickinson Psycho Schizo Espresso podcast, a high level of psychopath is often the best surgeon.)