A firefighter left with PTSD after he was pushed head-first through a window by a colleague has won a £23,500 payout from the Ministry of Defence.

Paul Wynne was working at Manston airport in 2012 when he was shoved through the glass pane by the volatile workmate.

The 64-year-old suffered deep cuts to his forearms and was so affected by the incident that he suffered post-traumatic stress and depression and was forced to retire after 23 years as a firefighter.

Recalling the incident, he said his colleague reacted violently when he was asked to move some fire extinguishers.

“It all happened so fast,” Mr Wynne said.

“He went from being calm to aggressive and started shouting that it was not his job.

“I called my manager about the issue and was about to leave the portacabin to meet him in person, when I felt this pressure on my left shoulder.

“I didn’t realise he was behind me and then suddenly I was hanging out the window.”

Mr Wynne suffered lacerations, pins and needles, headaches and nosebleeds.

He became withdrawn, while struggling with PTSD and anxiety.

This led to nausea, nightmares, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome and a two-stone weight loss.

He was on sick leave until January 7, 2013, but said when he returned to work for a few hours a day he was unsupported by managers.

He was suspended a week later while an investigation took place, and his PTSD prevented him from returning to work.

His wife, Sandra, said: “Paul lost all his motivation. He seemed a broken man. He delved into the depths of despair.

"It took all the joy from our relationship.

“After the accident he lost his appetite and would hardly eat anything throughout the day.

"He lost around a stone over the course of a month.

“The incident caused upsetting issues for Paul to come to the surface, including his son and father’s death.”

Now, after a six-year legal battle, Mr Wynne has won his personal injury claim against the MoD, after suing them for negligence and breach of statutory duty as they were vicariously liable for the actions of his fellow employee.

Mr Wynne was awarded £23,547 in damages after Central London County Court heard he had complained to managers a number of times about his colleague’s behaviour, but no meaningful steps were taken to address the issues.

Representing Mr Wynne, employment lawyer Tracey Benson, of Slater and Gordon, said the MOD had failed to uphold their duty of care to him and other staff.

“Paul was a dedicated staff member who loyally served the MOD for 23 years, but when he needed their support to deal with this colleague they let him down,” she said.

“The MOD failed to take concerns seriously, despite them being raised a number of times.

"There were no consequences or safety measures for this aggressive man. This left both Paul and other staff at risk.

"The MOD failed to take concerns seriously, despite them being raised a number of times... there were no consequences or safety measures for this aggressive man" - lawyer Tracey Benson

"This incident was particularly traumatic for my client as it triggered issues he was already wrestling with, causing PTSD.

“This sent his life into a downwards spiral which received no sympathy or support from his employers when he returned to work.

"Instead of helping him up, they pushed him back down.”

Mr Wynne also complained to managers, but instead of the MOD taking meaningful steps to address his behaviour the man would simply receive a "slap on the wrist".

Wife Sandra added: “It has been a long six years.

“The case has taken its toll on both of us, but it’s a relief we finally have justice.

“It was like the big cloud hanging over us has lifted.”

The MOD also faces legal costs of £66,698, as well as Mr Wynne’s legal costs, which are yet to be determined.