A STUDENT who suffered severe brain injuries after complications during his birth at Basildon Hospital has been awarded £5million in compensation from the NHS.

David Fawdrey, 21, from Plumpton, near Lewes, was diagnosed with acute brain injuries after his birth in 1991, which his lawyers blamed on oxygen starvation during the delivery at the hospital.

Last year, legal action against the East of England Strategic Health Authority was resolved in a settlement for 70 per cent of the family’s claim, approved by the High Court.

The health authority disputed liability.

Yesterday at the High Court Mr Justice Kenneth Parker, approved a payout potentially worth more than £5million to secure a future for David, who studies at Sussex College.

Speaking after the hearing, his father, Richard, said he was relieved the family’s fight for damages was finally over.

He said: “It’s a been a long process, but we are very happy.”

David’s legal team had claimed his brain injuries were caused by medics delaying his delivery during its “critical, final stages”, but experts for the NHS insisted the damage had already been done by then.

He was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, learning difficulties and impaired vision. He suffers from seizures and has undergonemultiple eye surgeries.

The health authority, the body responsible for the hospital, agreed a settlement with David’s legal team that includes a large lump sum and annual payments to cover the costs of a lifetime’s care.

Alison Johnson, the family’s solicitor, said: “Although no amount of money will ever make up for the injuries David has suffered, I hope the settlement will ensure he has the therapies that he needs to maximise his potential.

“I also hope it will allow his parents some much-needed respite while they enjoy seeing David flourish with as much independence as he can manage.”