[Posted: Tue 09/09/2008]

A French doctor who practised as a plastic surgeon and carried out botched procedures on dozens of women has been given a jail sentence of four years.

Michel Maure was sentenced in his absence in Marseille and is now awaiting extradition back fo France from Spain.

Maure, who was not properly qualified to carry out reconstructive surgery, operated on his patients at cheap rates in a derelict clinic.

Many of his patients were left in agony or were permanently disfigured.

The doctor had a medical qualification but was not trained as a plastic surgeon.

Maure was found guilty of illegal practice, endangering life and wounding. He was fined €75,000 and ordered to pay compensaiton to his victims