UK ‘counterfeit’ Botox trial collapses on lack of evidence

A trial in which a cosmetic surgeon was accused of administering counterfeit Botox to three women has been thrown out by the presiding judge.

Ozan Melin (41) and his ex-wife Lisa Bolster (50) were cleared of fraud at Bournemouth Crown Court after Judge Brian Forster QC ruled there had been no unauthorised use of the Botox trademark, which is own by pharmaceutical company Allergan, and that contrary to allegations Melin was medically qualified.

“There is no evidence to support the allegation of fraud or the unauthorised use of a trademark,” said Judge Forster. Melin ran a mobile clinic called The Smooth Face Botox Company and carried out treatments at beauty salons and customers' homes.

Melin is not out of the legal firing line however as he will face charges of inflicting grievous bodily harm (GBH) on the three women - Marcelle King, Jozette Sheppard and Carol Kingscott – who say they were left with serious complications including allergic reactions and pain after being injected with what is reported to be a beef gelatine-based preparation.

The new trial is expected to take place next spring.