Girl, 12, wins £6m compensation

A 12-year-old girl who suffered injuries during her hospital birth has won almost £6m compensation at London's High Court.

Rebecca Walker from Hanslope, Bucks, was born with acute cerebral palsy after doctors mis-managed her delivery.

Rebecca was left brain damaged and will require full time care for life.

She successfully sued the hospital's managers and Milton Keynes General Hospital NHS Trust in 2005. Her family plan to buy a 10-acre country property.

Rebecca, now suffers from diskinetic cerebral palsy, affecting all four of her limbs.

I'm quite satisfied this settlement will provide for Rebecca throughout her life; it will be an adequate safeguard for her future. Mr Justice Grigson

Rebecca's counsel, David Wilby QC, told Mr Justice Grigson at the High Court that the NHS Trust had agreed to settle Rebecca's case for £5.75 million.

Approving the deal, Mr Justice Grigson said: "I'm quite satisfied this settlement will provide for Rebecca throughout her life; it will be an adequate safeguard for her future.

"It is very plain from what I have read that Mr and Mrs Walker have made an enormous contribution to the welfare of their child, he added.

The £5.75m settlement will allow Rebecca and her family to complete the purchase of a four-bedroom bungalow, with 10 acres of land, in the village of Hanslope, near Milton Keynes, where she can pursue her love of horses.