GBP3 million compensation for former boy band member

A former member of an Irish boy band is set to receive GBP3m in compensation for devastating brain and physical injuries sustained in a car crash in 2004.

Lawyers acting on behalf of Owen Griffin, 26, from Waterford agreed the settlement ahead of a claim for damages at the High Court in Belfast.

The action was brought in Northern Ireland because the driver is from Omagh, County Tyrone whilst the accident took place as Mr Griffin travelled on the Glasgow to Stranraer with other members of his band, Idolize.

He was asleep in the back when their vehicle collided head-on with a motorcycle, an accident that also claimed the lives of the motorcyclist and the driver's five-year-old son.

Mr Griffin suffered severe brain and physical injuries, and was left in a coma for weeks. Although he has since made good progress, he has no memory of the accident and still struggles with the physical and psychological impact of his injuries.

He now shares a house with three other men who all require care and assistance in daily living as part of an assisted living scheme in Waterford.

There he continues to paint and write poetry, but he can no longer sing due to the effects on his voice of a tracheotomy and is never expected to return to full-time work.

Following the settlement, his lawyer said it was a tragic case of a very talented young man and the compensation reflects the severity of the injuries and Owen's future needs for health care and support.

Liability for the accident was not disputed, and the figure to be paid out was agreed with insurers for the defendant.