A young husband who became sexually disinhibited after suffering a head injury at work has won £3.166 million High Court damages.
The lives of 29-year-old Stephen Tame and Sarah, his wife of eight months, were "shattered" when he fell from a gantry while working in a cycle warehouse in Wickford, Essex, in January 2002, said Judge Michael Harris.
Mr Tame made a "miraculous" neurological recovery after two years of treatment but was still severely disabled.
His continuing behavioural problems and two recent acts of infidelity had strained an already troubled short marriage to the point where it was doubtful it would survive for even another year, said the judge.
This meant Mr Tame, of Wickford, Essex, would be without the care of his 30-year-old wife, who is currently living with her parents in Basildon, and would have to pay for professional support.
Mr Tame, whose case was brought on his behalf by the Official Solicitor, did not give evidence but his wife, who is receiving treatment for clinical depression, broke down repeatedly as she spoke of her "turmoil".
"We love each other but the love is slowly going. We love each other but it's not 'in love'. I love Steve but it's turning into friendship."
The judge, who said Mr Tame was extremely unlikely to find paid work again, commented: "This young man has been transformed and in a sense the fact that he has some awareness makes it worse because every moment he is reminded of what he might have been but for the accident. On my conclusions, he has lost his marriage and probably lost the prospect of a family."
Mr Tame's former employers, Professional Cycling Marketing, of Wickford Business Park had admitted liability but contested the amount of the award, arguing he would be capable of working up to 16 hours a week in the future, and that his marriage might survive.
Final judgment for the sum of £3,166,054 has not yet been entered pending the consideration of the question of periodical payments.
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