A woman injured after a birthday helicopter treat turned to disaster was today celebrating after receiving a £200,000 payout.

Ina Jacobs, of Church Parade, Canvey, was awarded the lump sum in damages in London's High Court.

The 41-year-old successfully sued Rayleigh-based Corniche Helicopters after an accident at Southend Airport on May 17, 1993.

Speaking on behalf of his wife at their Canvey home, Tony Jacobs said the couple were glad the court case was over.

He said: "The accident was very upsetting and we are relieved it is all over.

"The judge totally agreed with us."

Mr Jacobs had arranged for his wife to take a helicopter ride for a birthday present, but it ended in disaster when an "engine-off" landing resulted in the helicopter crashing.

The court heard Mrs Jacobs suffered serious injuries to her right hand, along with bruises

and lacerations to the rest of her body.

Judge Barry Green said: "The pilot negligently attempted to land with the engine off by auto-rotating. The helicopter crashed and bounced onto its side.

"She recalls instruments bleeping, lights flashing and the pilot shouting. It was a terrifying and life-threatening experience. She was knocked unconscious."

When she came to, Mrs Jacobs recalled the pilot still trapped in his harness urging her to get out of the wreckage. She has undergone 11 painful operations, including the amputation of the tip of her ring finger.

The judge added: "The hand has lost a major part of its function and there is also extensive deformity. It would be bad enough for a man but is even worse for a young woman.

"She was well described as having a bubbly personality, at least before the accident. Since then she has lost a good deal of confidence and some of her fizz."

Her injuries severely affected her work as a secretary as she has great difficulty writing and typing because of a loss of co-ordination and grip. She retired from her job on medical grounds in July last year.

Corniche Helicopters admitted liability for the accident but disputed the level of damages claimed. The judge awarded her £200,903.

Picture, top Victory - Ina Jacobs celebrates with her dog Niki.

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