THE death of a five-year-old girl during a trip to the dentist was blamed on incorrect procedures by the dentist and the anaesthetist, a court was told.

Karla Selley, of Golden Hill Lane, Leyland, died in hospital in August 1999 after a routine operation to extract a tooth at the Towngate Dental Surgery, in Leyland.

But Preston Crown Court heard how a catalogue of errors by dentist Michael Lane, of Bolton, and anaesthetist George Vanner, of Bilsborrow, near Preston, led to the youngster's death.

Both men have denied a charge of manslaughter.

Howard Bentham, prosecuting, told the court Karla choked to death on blood and mucas after having her baby tooth taken out.

Because of a fear of needles Karla was given a general anaesthetic and the operation had passed without incident, he said.

But when she was coming round Karla began to suffer problems including choking on matter which should have been cleaned out, he said.

Attempts to resuscitate the stricken youngster by the two men were described in court as 'hopeless.'

Mr Bentham said Karla was given an electric shock, which was much too large for her body and she was eventually taken to Chorley General Hospital at 4pm, where she died.

The case was adjourned until Tuesday.