A Wandsworth schoolboy who was left severely paralysed after he was chased into the path of a car by a teenage gang has been awarded £4.75million compensation - the highest ever payout to a British crime victim.

Omar Dadi was just eight and a pupil at Sir James Barrie primary school, in Battersea, when the accident happened in November 1991.

He was in Wandsworth Road, close to his home, playing with his nine-year-old brother Ahmed when a group of youths, who believed Omar had reported them for shoplifting, chased him into the car's path.

He sustained horrific injuries and was left fighting for his life.

Now 18, he is almost totally paralysed and has to spend much of his time on a ventilator.

Omar has been cared for at The Holy Cross Hospital in Haslemere, Surrey, and can only talk and breathe using a nerve stimulating machine.His only movement is in his left hand.

He has, however, fought to make the most of his life and is studying for a GNVQ in information technology. He already has GCSEs in maths and English and one day hopes to get a degree.

After his High Court victory on Monday Omar told the Borough News: "It feels great. This will make a huge difference to my life and now I can start living again.

"I can make plans to move out to a home of my own in the community with my own care staff and just start living."

Omar's solicitor Paul Paxton said the payout from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority was "by a long way" the highest ever to a British crime victim.

Since Omar's claim was filed in the early 90s there has been a major change in the rules governing payouts.

Mr Paxton confirmed if the application had been made after 1996, his compensation would have been capped at a maximum of £500,000.

December 7, 2001 12:01