A MAN who was left disabled after a road accident in Swindon has won a multi-million pound High Court damages pay-out from insurers.

Nazer Ahadi, who was living in Swindon at the time of the accident, was on his way to work at Hayden Bakeries, in Devizes, on May 22, 2006, when he was involved in a head-on collision on the A361 between Beckhampton and Devizes.

He was taken to hospital where he was treated for brain damage, which, it was thought, could prevent him from ever walking again.

But gradually, Mr Ahadi, who was 22 at the time of the crash, got back on his feet and walked into the High Court in London to hear a top judge approve his damages pay-out.

Mr Ahadi, who now lives in Bristol, will receive a lump sum of £2.3m, including almost £200,000 for “pain, suffering and loss of amenity”, plus £145,000 – index-linked and tax free – every year for the rest of his life.

Much of the cash will be used to fund his extensive 24-hour care needs, neuro-rehabilitation and medical treatment.

His barrister, Benjamin Browne QC, told the High Court Mr Ahadi, a refugee from Afghanistan, had been taken in by a local couple, who wished to remain anonymous.

“I do not think it is an exaggeration to say that they have enormously improved his lot and given him a family in this country, which he would otherwise lack,” he told the judge, Mr Justice Eady.

The judge said: “I am satisfied that the proposed terms represent a fair and fortunate compromise that is in his best interests and, accordingly, I have no hesitation in approving the proposed settlement.”

Speaking after the hearing, solicitor Neil Elliott said although Mr Ahadi had come to the UK alone at the age of just 13, he had found his own home and was working for the Hayden Bakeries in Devizes until his accident.

“Prior to his accident, Nazer was a bright and determined young man, who had the whole of his life ahead of him,” said the solicitor.

“He was an established and well thought-of employee, with many friends and contacts.

“The life-threatening injuries which he sustained in this tragic accident were caused through no fault of his own and have had a devastating impact upon Nazer.

“We are, therefore, very pleased for Nazer that he will now have the benefit of the financial security which this settlement will provide to him for the remainder of his life.

“He is a remarkable and inspiring young man and we all wish him well for the future.”