Victim's relief after £5m payout

Ben Royce now relies on his wheelchair to get round his home

A 21-year-old man awarded more than £5m after a car crash left him paralysed has expressed relief his battle for compensation is over.

The £5.2m insurance payout last week to Ben Royce, of Ashcroft Road, Paddock Wood Kent, is among the highest ever ordered by the High Court.

The accident happened when a BMW driven by his half-brother crashed on the A21 near Tonbridge in August 2002.

"It has been a tough struggle over the past three years," said Mr Royce.

The former fence erector was a front seat passenger in the car, which span out of control after hitting a puddle of water.

He now has only limited movement in his fingers and legs and relies on his electric wheelchair for mobility.

The award, which will be paid by the driver's insurance company, is made up of £3m for Mr Royce's future care and £2.2m for loss of earnings and pain and suffering.

Jacqui Burnett is one of a round-the-clock team of carers

"My dad died when I was two, in a car accident, and my mum died last year from cancer," he said.

"It would be nice to have them around now to celebrate and keep an eye out for me but obviously they are not, so I just have to keep trying to battle through."

Mr Royce said he is pleased his 24-hour care is now guaranteed.

"It was one of his concerns that he would run out of money, but this ensures that he won't," said carer Jacqui Burnett.

The award will also allow Mr Royce to carry out further modifications to his home, for example by installing voice-activated controls to open and close doors and operate a computer.

He hopes one day to be able to set up his own business and to start a family.

"I have always wanted kids and I am not going to let this stop me," he said.