Crash driver in court
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• A young mother who had a promising career as a midwife has been awarded £427,000 against a lorry driver after a crash left her a tetraplegic.
Christine Ann Winwood was 27 at the time of the accident on November 16,1985, and her son Matthew was just three months old.
The High Court in London heard that Winwood was a back-seat passenger in an Austin Maxi which had broken down in a lay-by on the A52 Derby to Nottingham road.
The car's driver, Cyril Purver, of Keld, Richmond, North Yorkshire, went to get help but as Winwood waited in the car it was hit from behind by an ERF lorry, driven by Raymond Bird.
Winwood was left paralysed in the trunk and legs and suffered facial injuries.
She was in hospital almost six months and was released earlier than doctors wanted in May, 1986, because she was pining for her baby son.
Winwood, formerly of Long Eaton and now living in Gillingham, is confined to a wheelchair. She has movement in her arms but her right hand is weak.
Lorry driver Bird, of Ashton Lane, Shardlow, Derbyshire, admitted liability for the crash.
The hearing, before justice Kenneth Jones, was to assess damages. His insurance company will pay.
Justice Kenneth Jones awarded Winwood £427,000, including £70,000 for pain and suffering, £78,518 for special damages and £107,622 for loss of earnings.