'Horror dentist' gets 8 years in prison

The court in the central town of Nevers heard the horrifying tales of patients at the hands of 51-year-old Jacobus Van Nierop (pictured), who in a serial spree pulled out multiple healthy teeth, broke jaws and left drill bits in patients' gums.

After more than a month of painful testimony from scores of patients, the court on Tuesday found Van Nierog guilty of "mutilation," premeditated violence and fraud against patients and insurance companies.

It also barred him from ever practicing dentistry again.

Prosecutor Lucile Jaillon-Bru said Van Nierop took "pleasure at causing pain" and carried out "useless and painful procedures" to obtain medical insurance payments.

One patient, Sylviane Boulesteix, 65, went to see the dentist in 2012 to have braces fitted.

"He gave me seven or eight injections, and pulled out eight teeth in one go. I was gushing blood for three days," she said.

Her account was one of nearly a hundred nightmarish experiences at the hands of the "horror dentist" between 2009 to 2012.

Van Nierop appeared unmoved during the trial, telling the court he had "no comment" when questioned.

He tried to defend his actions by arguing he suffered from psychological problems.

cw/jm (AFP, AP, Reuters)