£1.2 m for injured woman

Clare Trollope-Davis, 28, of Warren Lane, Cross-in-Hand, Heathfield was a passenger in a car which sped off the road and hit an earth bank at Lim's Green, near Waldron, on June 12, 1994.

Her multiple injuries almost cost her her life and Miss Trollope-Davis also suffered head injuries causing long term problems which have completely transformed her life.

Her barrister, James Dingemans QC, told the court: 'Clare suffered very serious injuries and has never worked again since the accident and will never work again in the future.'

At the time of the crash Clare was studying art and design at Hastings College.

She sued the car's driver David Tradewell, of Enys Road, Eastbourne whose motor insurers agreed to settle her case for 1.2 million on the basis of 75 per cent liability.

The 25 per cent reduction was due to the fact that Miss Trollope-Davis was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.

Congratulating the parties on reaching a deal without the need for a full court hearing, Mr Justice Hunt said: 'I'm grateful a settlement has been sensibly and sensitively achieved in the circumstances.

'This is a case in which all parties have been to every possible and available expert and I congratulate the parties on the way this has been done.'

Clare is looked after at home by her parents and other carers.

Later this week Clare's father Bill Davis said: 'We are pleased the case is finally settled.

'It can't compensate Clare for what she has lost but will help ensure her future financially.'