A DENTIST worked without liability insurance for 13 years and only paid an aggrieved patient's £3,000 negligence claim after a 17-month legal battle, a hearing was told.

Colin Morgan was responsible for 1,600 patients at the Co-operative Dental Practice in Hanover Street, Manchester, but did not have indemnity cover between 1990 and 2002.

He was also uninsured in the year before he joined the practice while running his own practice in Padgate Lane the General Dental Council heard on Thursday.

In March 2005 a patient - referred to only as A - complained about negligent treatment dating back to 1995 at the Hanover Street practice.

Morgan sent an acknowledgement but did not reply until June 13, despite six separate letters from A's solicitor asking for details of his defence team.

In January 2006 he agreed to pay A £3,000 in damages, but handed over £1,500 and ignored further pleas until August.

It was only then he finally paid his bill in the face of threats to take him to court.

Morgan appeared before a GDC misconduct panel in central London today and admitted all the charges against him.

Shareen Law, for the GDC, told the hearing Morgan had shown a disregard for patient protection.

Part of Morgan's defence was heard in private as it related to personal health problems.

A letter from his solicitors to the GDC was read to the hearing, which stated the ultimate loser was Morgan as he had to pay a heavy financial price.

Morgan, of 8 Pinfold Lane, Whitefield, Manchester, now works for Oasis Dental Care in Manchester.

The GDC panel later decided to suspend Colin Morgan for just three months.

Panel chairman Professor John Scott said suspension was necessary to reassure the public.

Morgan will be free to work as a dentist after serving his three-month suspension.