A TEN-YEAR-OLD twin boy who suffered catastrophic injuries during his birth at a Swindon hospital has had his and his family's financial "peace of mind" guaranteed by a High Court judge.

Thomas Crewe-Turrell was stricken by acute cerebral palsy because of a delay in his July 1993 delivery in the Princess Margaret Hospital when his mother was giving birth to him and his brother Sebastian.

The hospital's managers - Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Strategic Health Authority - yesterday agreed to settle the youngster's case for a sum, which was kept confidential at the High Court hearing.

But, given the level of care that Thomas will need for the rest of his life, the sum is bound to be a very substantial one. Millions of pounds are routinely awarded in similar cases.

Thomas mother Elaine Turrell-Crewe took steps to sue the health authority in October 2001, as reported by the Evening Advertiser at the time.

The twins were delivered by emergency caesarean section when complications began to develop but Thomas was left with severe "neurological damage", the court in London was told.

His counsel, Fiona Neale, said that hospital staff were at fault in delaying his delivery in spite of signs of his deteriorating condition.

He now suffers from spastic quadriplegia, is reliant on a wheelchair, and has "understanding but very little useful speech," she added.

Through his parents, Michael and Elaine, Thomas, of Great Common, Inkpen, Hungerford, sued the health authority - which admitted liability and issued an "unreserved apology" for the events of July 5, 1993.

The authority's counsel, Paul Rees QC, told the court: "His family will know that I cannot turn the clock back but I can publicly acknowledge the facts and apologise, and I do so."

Mr Rees added his own "public tribute" to Thomas' parents and family of four sons and one daughter, all of whom have "played their part" in helping care for him. "This settlement will bring Thomas and his family security and peace of mind," he told Mr Justice Buckley.

Ms Neale said that Thomas was severely disabled. But, in spite of his predicament he has the good fortune of a "devoted family", his twin brother Sebastian being particularly close, said the barrister.

She added: "He has learning disabilities, the full extent of which are difficult to assess. His care needs have so far been met almost entirely by his mother.

"But, despite this level of problems, he is a very happy and sociable child. His family are all devoted to him and want to keep him living at home with them not only as a child but as an adult also."

Mr Justice Buckley approved the settlement which is designed to cover the cost of all Thomas' care needs for the rest of his life.

At the time of the incident, the PMH was run by the Wiltshire Health Authority, which has now been disbanded.

The authority was superseded by the Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Strategic Health Authority.