Jie Shao, a Chinese national convicted of manslaughter earlier this year, will remain behind bars for at least another two-and-a-half years following an illegal and fatal breast augmentation surgery in Sydney. The victim, Jean Huang, 35, tragically died during the procedure in September 2017, where hyaluronic acid was unlawfully injected into her breasts.
Shao, visibly composed during today’s court proceedings, received a sentence of six years and nine months, with a non-parole period of three years and six months. Judge Timothy Gartelmann highlighted that Shao administered a lethal dosage of lidocaine, approximately ten times the safe amount for Huang’s body weight, despite signs of overdose during the procedure. The injection led to Huang being declared brain dead, with life support subsequently withdrawn.
The court noted that Shao, operating at Medi Beauty Clinic in Sydney’s Chippendale area, had pleaded guilty to recklessly administering a poison endangering life. Judge Gartelmann emphasized that while Shao did not intend to cause death or serious harm, her actions displayed recklessness that led to tragic consequences. Victim impact statements described the profound grief experienced by Huang’s family, underscoring her significant presence in their lives.
In her statement during sentencing, Shao expressed deep remorse and acknowledged her lack of familiarity with Australian standards. Her defense counsel, Winston Terracini SC, quoted Shao as blaming herself and expressing profound sorrow for Huang’s death. Judge Gartelmann considered Shao’s remorse, noting her unlikely potential for reoffending and her struggles with major depression and anxiety during legal proceedings.
Shao, who has already served one year in custody, will be eligible for release in December 2026, with her full sentence expiring in March 2030.
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