Ex-officer wins £3m for injuries

Mr Crofts has suffered severe problems since the accident

A senior police officer who was left with severe permanent injuries in a road accident has been awarded £3m in damages by the High Court.

Det Ch Supt Tony Crofts, 52, who headed the homicide squad in south London, was knocked off his motorcycle by a car on the M11 in 10 June 2004.

He suffered a severe brain injury and lost his right arm in the crash.

Insurers of driver Alan Murton, from Loughton, Essex, had disputed the amount to be paid in damages.

At a hearing in June, Michael Kent QC, for Mr Crofts, told Judge Collender QC that liability had been admitted and a claim of contributory negligence was rejected.

Personality change

Mr Crofts, who was involved in the Damilola Taylor murder inquiry, was in coma for five weeks after the accident, Mr Kent said.

Despite undergoing rehabilitation Mr Crofts suffered severe problems, including depression and underwent a personality change. His working memory and organisational skills were also impaired.

Mr Kent said: "He was successful in his career, gregarious, confident, hardworking, competitive and energetic, very much head of the family and tremendously successful.

He has described himself to an expert as an empty vessel Michael Kent QC

"Now, as a result of the injury, he has lost all self-esteem and is in despair about his situation. He has sufficient insight to know what he has lost.

"He is difficult, demanding, impulsive and insensitive about others and his family, and has great difficulty communicating.

"He has described himself to an expert as an empty vessel."

Mr Crofts' wife and three children stood by him and his wife has been the main carer, the lawyer said.

Awarding the amount, the judge said the money will allow the family to hire paid care for Mr Crofts and if the marriage fails the former officer will be able to pay for 24-hour paid help.

He also added that if Mr Crofts was not injured he would have risen to become Commander or Assistant Chief Constable.