A dentist was responsible for "serious failures" in attempts to remove a tooth from a five-year-old Lancashire girl who died, the General Dental Council (GDC) has heard.

Karla Selley was sedated for the operation because she became hysterical on previous occasions, the council's Professional Conduct Committee was told on Wednesday.

However, vital monitoring equipment was not in place during the procedure by dentist Michael Lane, in August 1999, at a practice in Leyland, Lancashire.

Karla died in hospital shortly after choking on blood and mucus, following the botched operation at the Towngate surgery.

'System failings'

Mr Lane, who was cleared in 2000 of Karla's manslaughter, appeared before the GDC in central London where he denied serious professional misconduct.

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

He was also cleared of Karla's manslaughter under direction of a judge at Preston Crown Court in November 2000.

Martin Forde, for the GDC, said there had been "serious and cumulative failures, some clinical, some organisational, some procedural".

These had led to "serious system failures", he added.

Among those, it was alleged Karla was given an "inappropriately high level" of electric shock at the surgery when her heart stopped.

'Not responsible'

It was alleged Mr Lane failed to ensure the anaesthetic machine used was fitted with an oxygen failure warning system and the panel also heard heart-monitoring gear was not in place.

However, Mr Lane would argue it was the responsibility of Mr Vanner, of Bilsborrow, Lancashire, to ensure the equipment and monitoring were adequate, the committee was told by his QC Nicola Davies.

The hearing continues.