A MOTORIST left paralysed after a tree crushed his car has won his battle for compensation.

Michael Rowe suffered "catastrophic" injuries after an ash tree fell on to his VW Polo as he travelled along the B1278 towards Fishburn, County Durham, on November 30, 1999.

The 21-year-old, from Peterlee, suffered a broken back in the incident and was left with "complete tetraplegia".

The former mechanic now suffers from pain and has problems with his speech, chewing, swallowing, smell and taste. He will be confined to a wheelchair for life and will never work again.

Mr Rowe took his case for compensation to the High Court in Newcastle, and his claim against the owner of the field, Hirst Farmers Limited, admitted 95 per cent liability for the accident before going into court.

His case was that the tree, which was between 80 and 90 years old, was in an advanced state of decay and that the owners of the field knew, or ought to have known, it was unhealthy and in a dangerous state.

Mr Rowe has a life expectancy of just 60.

After the accident, four Ash trees in the hedgerow were felled. Only one remains.

Another hearing will be held at a later date to settle the amount of damages to be received.

After approving the settlement, Mr Justice Bennett said: "This was a terrible accident and I am sure you have shown incredible courage."