A judge expressed his admiration for an Essex mother who has devoted her life to the care of her brain-damaged son, and who has been awarded £1.7 million in compensation.

Samuel Keen, now aged seven, has suffered from acute cerebral palsy since his birth on August 31, 1993 at St John's Hospital, Wood Street, Chelmsford. He is severely disabled and will always be dependent on the care of others.

On Samuel's behalf, his mother Anita, a qualified nurse, who lives in Hutton, Brentwood, sued the hospital's managers, Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust, who the court heard admitted negligence "at a very early stage".

After negotiations outside court, the trust agreed a final settlement of Samuel's case for £1.7 million, money which will be used to fund his long-term care.

Mr Justice Forbes commented: "I would like to say how much I admire Mrs Keen's dedication for a boy who has suffered so many afflications but whom fate has provided such a mother."

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