Accident boy's parents fight for school cash

THE PARENTS of a nine-year-old boy who was injured when his father ran him over with a lawnmower are fighting for the money to keep him at a private school.

The High Court in London heard yesterday that in September 1988 the boy was playing in the family's garden near Pulborough, West Sussex, when his father accidentally reversed over him with a ride-on lawnmower.

Michael Kent, the family's counsel, said the boy's right leg was injured, his right big toe was amputated, and his genitals severed. The judge has said the boy should not be identified.

Mr Kent said the boy's injuries would require 'prolonged periodic treatment', interrupting his schooling. 'He has a need arising out of this accident which can only be met at a cost,' he said.

The boy had nominally sued his father over the accident, but Mr Kent said this was an insurance case in which liability had been admitted. However, the insurers were reluctant to pay for private school fees, insisting that the state sector could cater for the boy.

The court was adjourned.