Six-figure compensation for Costa Coffee crash victim

A VICTIM of the so-called Costa Coffee crash in Stratford-upon-Avon last year has secured a significant six-figure sum in compensation.

Heather Coleau, from Chipping Campden, was among several people who were injured when a car driven by Alan Marks from Shottery - who was a magistrate at the time—mounted the pavement outside the Costa Coffee shop in Henley Street on 23rd April last year.

A statement posted on the website of Mrs Coleau's lawyers, Leigh Day of London, says: "Serious injury lawyer Helen Clifford has successfully settled a case on behalf of Mrs Heather Coleau who suffered a serious brain injury when she was hit by a car that mounted the pavement in Stratford-upon-Avon and ploughed into a group of people including Mrs Coleau."

"She suffered serious head injuries, including a fractured skull, which continues to affect her health today, making it difficult to get her life back to normal."

"Helen Clifford secured a significant six-figure sum in compensation for Mrs Coleau shortly after issuing proceedings."

Last Friday magistrates in Solihull referred a case of alleged dangerous driving by Mr Marks to Birmingham Crown Court. The case is due to be heard on 27th September.

Originally Warwickshire Police decided, after several months of investigation, that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute Mr Marks. Shortly after the police revealed this decision last November, Warwickshire's newly-elected police and crime commissioner, Ron Ball, asked for the case to be reviewed.

After another six months' investigation the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided Mr Marks should be charged with dangerous driving.

It is important to stress that liability in civil proceedings is entirely different from that in criminal proceedings.

From: Stratford-Herald.Com