Injured driver fails in suicide compensation bid

A driver severely injured in a crash triggered by a suicidal man walking in front of a lorry failed in his bid to win criminal injuries at the Supreme Court today.

Gareth Jones claimed that Barry Hughes committed a "crime against the person" when he stepped in front of a lorry and was killed on the M25 in January 2005. The lorry that hit Mr Hughes then swerved and hit Mr Jones, who was severely injured and required full-time care.

His lawyers argued Mr Hughes could have foreseen his actions might cause harm to someone else and was guilty of inflicting grievous bodily harm. They argued Mr Jones was entitled to compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

The Supreme Court disagreed.