A WOMAN has been given the go-ahead to sue surgeon Richard Neale after two operations left her incontinent.

Campaigners hope it will set a precedent for other former patients to pursue the gynaecologist - struck off last year by the General Medical Council for incompetence - for damages.

A High Court judge yesterday ruled that Christine Forster, of Thornton-le-Beans, near Northallerton, North Yorkshire, was able to seek compensation from Mr Neale, even though the case was brought beyond the normal time limit of three years.

Mr Justice Hunt decided that it was in the interests of justice to allow the case to proceed.

Mrs Forster told the court in Leeds that she had been left incontinent after two operations to tackle stress incontinence, performed at the St John of God Hospital, in Scorton, near Richmond.

The ruling applies only to Mrs Forster's case, which alleges negligence against Mr Neale.

However, Graham Maloney, spokesman for the group representing women who have suffered at Mr Neale's hands, said it could have implications for other patients.

He said: "This could affect all cases that get to the civil courts, but particularly the private patients, because that is the only way they can go."

About 25 private patients are planning to sue Mr Neale, of Langthorpe, near Boroughbridge.

A further five patients who underwent National Health Service operations at the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, are also planning to sue for damages, after rejecting an NHS offer of compensation.

A spokesman for the Medical Protection Committee, which represents Mr Neale, said it could not comment on the outcome of yesterday's hearings, as legal proceedings were still ongoing.