Defamed doctor awarded $450,000 but unlikely to see a cent

Dr Warwick Nettle's former patient set out to damage his "exceptional" reputation but disappeared after the Sydney-based plastic surgeon started legal proceedings.
Dr Warren Nettle
Dr Warren Nettle. Photo: Facebook

A highly respected plastic surgeon has been awarded $450,000 after a patient he refused to operate on unleashed a series of “virulent” internet attacks that damaged his reputation.

But Dr Warwick Nettle is unlikely to receive a cent as the patient, who didn’t take part in the proceedings, can’t be found, the Federal Court of Australia said after awarding the damages last week.