A young Colchester man, only 13 when severely injured in a crash which cost his mother her life, has won more than £1.7 million agreed damages at the High Court.

The 23-year-old - referred to in court yesterday (Monday) only as "W" - was a back seat passenger in a car when it careered into a road sign on the A12 near Brentwood in December 1991.

His 44-year-old mother was killed and he suffered injuries, including serious brain damage, which left him permanently dependent on the care of others.

Mr Justice Wright was told that, as the boy's father is seriously disabled by multiple sclerosis and is unable to care for him, "W" is now looked after in a residential care home.

"W", with the official solicitor acting as his litigation friend, sued the driver of the car involved in the crash, whose motor insurers accepted liability in May 1997.

And yesterday (Monday), after negotiations outside court, John Cherry QC, for "W", told Mr Justice Wright the case had been settled for £1,721,596.

The money would be used to fund "W"s future care which, until now, has been paid for by Essex County Council, added Mr Cherry.

Mr Justice Wright described the settlement as "eminently sensible".

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