An ex-firefighter punched by a nightclub bouncer and left permanently disabled has won the right to compensation at London's High Court.

David Hawley, 34, had backed away from a fracas outside the Chicago Rock Cafe, in Southend, in the early hours of August 18, 2000, when door steward Jeffrey Warren, launched his attack.

Mr Hawley, of High Street, Shoebury, was "poleaxed" by a "very hard" left-handed punch to his jaw and a friend who was with him heard a sickening "crack" as he fell to the ground, shattering his skull on the pavement.

Door steward Warren was convicted by a Basildon Crown Court jury in April 2001 of inflicting grievous bodily harm on Mr Hawley and was handed a two-year suspended prison sentence.

The judge ruled club giants Luminar Leisure were "vicariously liable" for Warren's actions and must compensate Mr Hawley for his appalling injuries. There was no allegation of direct negligence.

Insurers for ASE Security Services - who employed Warren but were voluntarily wound up in May 2002 - are also liable to compensate Mr Hawley for his pain, suffering, lost earnings and care costs.

The amount of Mr Hawley's compensation pay-out has also yet to be assessed, but millions have been awarded in similar cases.