The family of a man awarded £4m compensation for brain damage, suffered after he jumped from a roof, have been praised by a judge.

Austin Waymark was being treated for manic depression but was allowed to leave Basildon Hospital's psychiatric unit, walk into town and jump from the Roof Garden in the Town Square.

Mr Waymark, who was 20 at the time, is now 28 and has to live in a special unit in Lancashire.

Yesterday the High Court agreed the payout package for the family from south Essex.

Mr Justice Gray said: "I have admiration for Austin's family, who have looked after him and cared for him, and particularly the way Mr Waymark senior has secured proper provision for his son."

Published Thursday July 8, 2004

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