A MOTHER-of-seven whose "life was turned upside down" by an East Lancashire hypnotist is looking forward to rebuilding her life after the week-long court case.

Lynn Howarth, 40, said that despite her happiness at having the won the case to prove the hypnotist negligent, she is furious after he claimed his life was ruined as a result.

Legal bills will wipe out the £6,500 damages Mrs Howarth was awarded against the hypnotist by the High Court.

Mrs Howarth relived the trauma of childhood sex abuse after being 'age regressed' by stage hypnotist Philip Green -- who operated under the stage name Phil Damon, at a charity evening in 1994.

She told the court how she suffered "18 months of sheer hell" after she was taken back to the age of eight -- a period when she was molested by her great Uncle "Billy".

However, Mr Green told the court that Mrs Howarth had enjoyed the stage act and is seeking leave to appeal against the High Court ruling.

Mr Green, of St Hubert's Road, Great Harwood, near Blackburn, said: "I will appeal because I feel it is unfair. People know what they are letting themselves in for when they are hypnotised.

"But it has already cost me a lot. I have been through seven years of hell.

"Hypnosis was my only source of income and it was something I was successful at. Now I am a labourer at the local abattoir."

Mrs Howarth hit back saying: "He turned my life upside down although I don't think he did it intentionally."

Mrs Howarth, of Inverbeg Drive, Breightmet, Bolton, who is studying to become a nurse, is amazed Mr Green intends to pursue the case further.

"I'd say go ahead to him -- anything which brings the problems stage hypnosis causes into the public eye can only be a good thing." she said.