Sean Hogg, now 27, of Plaistow, east London, was awarded the money and legal costs at the High Court on Monday.

The court had heard how Mr Hogg, a former rifleman, was travelling in a Lynx helicopter when it rolled to avoid a flock of birds and went out of control.

Mr Hogg suffered a shattered right knee which ended his sporting activities.

He had been a keen footballer and long-distance runner.

Judge William Crawford QC heard that negligence had been alleged against the helicopter pilot.