A SEX-SWAP millionaire has told why he is suing a surgeon who changed him from a man to a woman

Father-of-two Charles Kane, 44, became Samantha Kane in August 1997, but after three years, said he realised he had rushed into the decision and wanted to be a man again.

The property developer and designer told how he had been suffering from a nervous breakdown after his wife left him and said gender identity specialist Dr Russell Reid convinced him to have the surgery.

He is now desperate to return to being Charles and has launched a High Court claim for damages for the trauma he said he has suffered from having a sex change that he did not want.

Mr Kane, who lives on Newcastle's Quayside, said he felt extremely inadequate since the surgery.

In a writ issued in the High Court, Mr Kane is seeking £186,442.20 in compensation because he said Dr Reid failed to take precautions in referring him for surgery, failed to take appropriate action in response to his medical history and was negligent or reckless in advising him.

Mr Kane said: "The whole experience was very distressing for me. It was a devastating operation and very difficult."

Mr Kane separated from his wife in the mid-1990s.

He said the separation and being unable to see his children, who are now 18 and 19, caused his property empire to collapse, leaving him almost penniless.

He said he was referred to Dr Reid after he suffered a severe mental breakdown.

Dr Reid, who works at the private London Institute, declined to comment on the case last night.