£1.4m for man attacked as baby

The money will pay for Mr Waters' care and therapeutic needs

A young man who was left brain damaged after his mother attacked him when he was just 10 weeks old has been awarded £1.4m compensation.

Allan Waters, 22, now lives with his adoptive parents at Whitland in Carmarthenshire, west Wales, and requires 24-hour care.

The money - confirmed on Thursday - was awarded by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority and will meet the cost of his care and therapeutic needs.

Allan was assaulted by his natural mother, who assaulted him in an attempt to stop him crying - he was left with broken bones and severe brain damage.

He is not physically disabled, but is epileptic, has severe learning difficulties, and the mental age of a six-year-old.

The attack happened when he and his mother - who had become pregnant aged 16 while living in a care home - were living in Kent.

Joan Waters began fostering him when he was four-and-a-half months old, and officially adopted him when he was three.

Allan's injuries were caused in a rare and extreme incident, and each day of his life he and his family have to deal with the results of that attack. Lawyer Steve Ireland

Allan is currently cared for by someone from Carmarthenshire Social Services for 20 hours a week - the compensation means the family will now be able to afford full-time help.

Mrs Waters told the BBC that the payment would improve Allan's quality of life, and will help him when she and her husband are no longer able to.

"It's going to improve his quality of life without a doubt, because if he wants something, he can have it," she explained.

The award followed a hearing in Cardiff when solicitors put his case before senior judges.

Lawyer Steve Ireland, who acted on Allan's behalf, said he was delighted Mr Waters had received compensation for his "catastrophic injuries".

"This very large award has been calculated to ensure he has all the support, therapy and equipment he needs to make the most of his life," he said.

"It takes into account the cost of the care Allan has received to date from his adoptive family, plus for the future care they will provide with the help of employed professionals.

"Obviously, Allan's injuries were caused in a rare and extreme incident, and each day of his life he and his family have to deal with the results of that attack.

"The fact that Allan has a greater quality of life than anyone dare hope for is a testament to his determination and the love and dedication of his family."

The compensation will be retained by the Court of Protection and will be administered to the Waters family when it is required.