Doctor fined $30,000 in face peeling death

A doctor whose patient died three weeks after having a rejuvenating "face peeling operation" has today been fined $30,000 in the High Court at Christchurch.

Ian Scott Little, 46, a specialist in appearance medicine, earlier pleaded guilty to failing to provide the necessities of life to Leanna Steven.

Mrs Steven, aged 57, died after suffering a cardiac arrest while undergoing a face-peel treatment using a product containing phenol.

Justice Young ordered the whole of the $30,000 to be paid to the dead woman's family.

When Little pleaded guilty last week to the lesser charge, the Crown withdrew a charge of manslaughter.

Justice Young acknowledged Little had a blemish free record as a doctor.

- CHRISTCHURCH STAR