Racing circuit groundsman awarded £2m damages

A racing circuit groundsman who was brain-damaged in a freak work accident has been awarded more than £2 million damages.

David Johnson, 63, suffered severe head injuries when a gust of wind blew him from a lorry which was gathering metal advertising hoardings from the Castle Combe track at the end of the season in November 2008.

Mr Johnson, of Chippenham, Wiltshire, who had worked at the circuit for 20 years, is still in a rehabilitation unit and will always need 24-hour care.

The compensation package agreed at London's High Court today will enable him to move into an adapted bungalow in Devizes with his wife Angela.

Mr Justice Mackay, who approved the settlement against Castle Combe Circuit Ltd, heard that Mr Johnson will receive a lump sum of £2 million plus £250,000 for a year followed by annual index-linked payments of £205,000.

After the hearing, the family's solicitor Neil Elliott said: "Prior to this accident, David and his wife were very happily married and looking forward to their future together.

"All this has been changed dramatically by David's tragic accident.

"David is a determined man and has always wanted to return home, despite the severe difficulties caused by his brain injury.

"His goal will shortly be achieved and we all wish him and his family well for the future."

PA