£50m 'botch' claim over face surgery

A ONCE high-flying businesswoman who claims her career was ruined by botched plastic surgery on her face has launched a High Court bid for more than £50m in compensation.

By The Newsroom

Published 2nd Feb 2011, 23:01 BST

Updated 2nd Feb 2011, 23:01 BST

Penny Johnson was a director of a successful financial and IT consultancy in Surrey until the operation left her with nerve damage around her cheek and eye, her lawyers say.

The High Court in London heard she is suing Yorkshire-based cosmetic surgeon Le Roux Fourie for 54m in damages.

Mr Justice Eady told the court that, whilst negligence is admitted, Dr Fourie's lawyers dispute it caused Mrs Johnson's financial losses and the compensation due.

Alain Choo-Chou QC, for Dr Fourie, said Ms Johnson's business problems could have been caused by other factors and he should not be held liable.

A High Court hearing of the case will begin on Monday.