THE FATHER of a young Gwent woman who suffered "catastrophic" injuries in a road accident broke down in court as he recalled her active life before the accident.
Graham Morgan, 54, has launched a High Court bid for more than £2m compensation for daughter Jessica, 26, after she suffered severe head injuries in the accident with a car in March 1999 in Church Street, Rhymney.
Jessica, of St James Way, Tredegar, was a student with high hopes of a career in IT and multimedia but the accident left her in a semi-coma for months. She now has limited mobility, is unable to speak and is in need of round-the-clock care, said her barrister Bill Braithwaite, QC.
The hearing before Judge Richard Seymour, QC, was briefly adjourned yesterday when Mr Morgan wept in the witness box as he spoke of Jessica. "She achieved the gold award in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and received it at Buckingham Palace," he said. "She was so enthusiastic about what she did."
The insurers of the driver - Paul Phillips, of Bryn Glas, Pontllotyn, Rhymney - agree Jessica is entitled to compensation on the basis of 55 per cent liability but dispute the amount of her payout.
Jessica's lawyers are also seeking £200,000 for her "pain, suffering and loss of amenity" and £350,000 so the family can move to an adapted bungalow and for loss of earnings.
The hearing continues.
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