The row of bungalows in Godden Road where John Swain lives

A Canterbury man, catastrophically injured when hit by a taxi as he crossed a road, today won a £900,000 compensation deal at London's High Court.

John Swain, 60, of Godden Road, suffered multiple broken bones and a devastating head injury when the taxi collided with him in Military Road, Canterbury, in March 2003.

His barrister, Giles Eyres, told Mr Justice Hamblen that he "has been left with significant physical and cognitive impairment". This included a personality disorder and problems with his memory.

He also now suffered with "disinhibition and a lack of social judgement".

Mr Swain sued the taxi driver's motor insurers who today agreed to settle his case for £900,000, on the basis of 58 per cent liability.

The judge approved the compromise. He said he was "satisfied, having looked at the papers, that this is a reasonable settlement".

Mr Eyres told the court that the money will be used to fund the care Mr Swain will need for the rest of his life.