A south Essex youngster seriously brain damaged after being starved of oxygen at birth has been awarded £750,000 damages.

The five-year-old boy was promised the cash at London's High Court after he sued the Basildon and Thurrock Hospitals NHS Trust.

On November 6, 1994, cerebral palsy victim Bradley Lazell, of Gloucester Avenue, Grays, was condemned to a lifetime of serious disability when he suffered profound asphyxia during his delivery, the court heard.

The youngster sued the trust with his mother Jacqueline acting as his "litigation friend".

The NHS Trust did not dispute liability and Bradley's counsel, Susan Rodway, announced settlement terms had been agreed.

Approving the deal Mr Justice Buckley told the court: "This is another of the very sad cases in which the claimant who brings proceedings was seriously brain damaged at birth.

"Happily, the disabilities, although serious, are not as disabling as many cases before this court."

The judge paid tribute to Bradley's parents for the care they have devotedly given to their son and they will undoubtedly give in the future.

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