Suicidal man wins damages award

A severely depressed man who suffered brain damage when he was hit by a car in a possible suicide bid has won £375,000 in damages from a clinic.

Stephen Grainger, 45, was a patient at Suttons Manor Clinic in London Road, Romford, when he was struck in 1996.

QC Margaret Bowron told London's High Court that the traumatised driver thought he was attempting suicide.

His claim against Speciality Care Ltd centred on whether his medication and monitoring had been sufficient.

Devoted wife

The court heard that he had suffered "life-threatening and permanently damaging" injuries when he was hit by a car near to the clinic.

The firm denied liability; clinic staff maintained that he was trying to flag the car down.

"Sadly, we'll never be able to find out from the only person who really knows," Mrs Bowron said.

The clinic's QC, Benjamin Browne, paid tribute to the "remarkable devotion" shown by Mr Grainger's wife, Dawn, to her husband since the tragedy.

Approving the damages settlement, Mr Justice Jack echoed his remarks.

"I don't know what marriage vow, if any, Mrs Grainger took, but if she took the old-fashioned one, she has certainly stuck by it," the judge said.

Mr Grainger currently lives in a rehabilitation unit in Station Road, Ardley, Colchester.