Chiropractor fined for illegal practices

An unregistered chiropractor has once again been fined for his illegal practices.

James Michael Dawson has been fined $9,000 in Nelson District Court for advertising and offering chiropractic services he isn't authorised to administer, and it"s his third conviction.

The sentencing judge said it"s likely Dawson will keep practising, and a better deterrent is needed. The Health Ministry spokesman, Dr David St George, agrees.

"There are not many of these cases, they're fortunately very rare. But when you get someone who repeatedly offends like this we do have to consider whether stronger deterrent sentences have to be brought in," Dr St George told Newstalk ZB.

Dawson trained as a chiropractor in the United States, and has unsuccessfully tried to register here since 1995.

- Newstalk ZB