A Lancashire dentist accused of serious professional misconduct has spoken of his pain after the death of a five-year-old girl at his surgery.

Michael Lane, appearing before the General Dental Council (GDC), has denied he acted improperly.

But on Thursday he said it was too traumatic for him to use general anaesthetics at his surgery in Towngate after Karla Shelly died following a procedure to remove a tooth.

The hearing has already been told that two months before Karla died, the local health authority had issued an ultimatum to improve standards at the practice relating to the equipment being used and to staffing.

'Concerns raised'

Mr Lane said as far as he was concerned his practice adhered to guidelines and had it not he would have felt uncomfortable.

He denied suggestions that an advisor had raised concerns about the use of general anaesthetics.

He added if that had that been the case he would have stopped.

Mr Lane has already been cleared of manslaughter in relation to Karla's death.

On Wednesday the GDC heard Karla was sedated for the operation because she became hysterical on previous occasions.

Botched operation

But vital monitoring equipment was not in place during the procedure, the hearing was told.

Karla died in hospital after choking on blood and mucus following the botched operation.

The anaesthetist, George Vanner, was struck off by the General Medical Council earlier this year for his role in Karla's fatal operation.

The hearing continues.