A CRASH VICTIM left with catastrophic brain damage after a road accident nine years ago has won nearly £3 million compensation.

Lee Templeman had his life ruined in the accident which happened in Bellegrove Road, Welling, in March 1995.

His friend Paul Inkin, 35, from Sidcup, was killed in the crash which happened outside the We Anchor In Hope pub.

They were standing beside Mr Inkin's Mercedes car when it was hit by a Vauxhall driven by Gary Barker.

Jobless Barker, then aged 27, and living in Red Lion Lane, Shooters Hill, was later acquitted of Mr Inkin's murder but in 1999 was convicted of causing his death by dangerous driving.

In the High Court last week Mr Templeman sued Barker for compensation. Barker's car insurers agreed to settle the claim for £2.85 million after accepting 85 per cent liability.

The High Court was told Mr Templeman, who was 28 when he was injured, was now "a seriously damaged individual in need of constant care, whose impulsive behaviour makes him a danger to himself.

"To look at Lee, you wouldn't realise he has suffered traumatic brain injury. You can hold a conversation with him and he is utterly charming," said his solicitor Richard Follis.

"But if you ask him to go and find something in his home, he is likely to end up confused and anxious," he added.

The accident has left Mr Templeman, who now lives in Northampton, with a left-sided weakness, slurred speech, post-traumatic amnesia and epilepsy. He has disturbed sleep, a poor memory, language problems and can be verbally abusive.

"He requires, and will always require, very significant care," said Mr Follis.

It is likely the damages will be structured, to give Mr Templeman a steady flow of income to pay for all his care needs for life.