Partner wins £1.1m award

A successful partner in a Home Counties legal practice has been awarded £1.1 million damages after he was knocked off his bike in a devastating accident.

Robert Atkins, who was a partner in the Bedford firm of Gareth Woodfines, was seriously injured in a cycling accident in May 1990.

"He has not been able to work since the accident," said Gareth Woodfines senior partner Nick Davies. "He has made a remarkable recovery but regrettably not a full recovery."

Atkins, a 45-year-old father of three, was represented in court by James Badenoch QC, who told the court that his client lived "life to the full" prior to the accident. Atkins will not be able to work as a solicitor again.