A MOTORCYLIST has been awarded £650,000 in compensation after he was left disabled following an accident.

Antony Williams, from Cricklade, sustained multiple fractures to his pelvis, nerve damage, a fractured back, a fractured right wrist, multiple soft tissue injuries and a minor brain injury in the crash on July 10, 2006.

The 33-year-old was on his way to work in Bristol, riding along Common Hill, when tipper van driver Wayne Giles, working for Black Horse Contractors Ltd, pulled across his path causing a head on collision between Mr Williams’ bike and an oncoming Vauxhall Astra.

Giles was prosecuted in 2007 for driving without due care and attention and was given a fine and five points on his licence at Chippenham Magistrates’ Court.

“I don’t hold any grudges,” said Antony, who even four years on must use morphine patches and a crutch to ease his pain.

“I count myself fortunate I can’t remember what happened. I bet the driver of the truck can and that is probably more than he deserves given that what he did was a momentary lapse and not intentional.

“If he’d been drink driving I would not be so forgiving but we’re all guilty of losing focus at the wheel once in a while. I can’t hold a grudge over that.”

IT consultant Antony, who was 29 when the accident happened, underwent multiple operations but has been left with permanent disability and as a result is only able to work part-time. He will also need further surgery in the future.

“I have a goal to work 22 hours a week,” said the dad of two. “Even 18 months after the accident I was going on about getting back to work full time – and I tried it – but I was so exhausted at the end of the day I would come straight home, go to bed, get up and go to work again.

“I wasn’t seeing my children and I wasn’t seeing my wife and that wouldn’t have been much of a life.

“Now I am working a couple of days a week, doing as much as I can and working towards doing a bit more and on the days I am home I rest so I can be with the children when they get home from school.”

Antony said there is light at the end of the tunnel for others injured in similar circumstances, if they find a good solicitor and persevere.

“There were times when I thought this would go to court and I just wanted it to be over,” he said. “I hated the idea of going through all that and putting my wife through all that.

“But I had a great solicitor who was there from day one and who supported us both through everything.

“If I was worried about something or had questions he would be there at the end of the phone with the answers.

“It was good to know that I was not just a number on his books.

“To be honest, now it is all over I wonder what life will be like without him.”

Antony and wife Melanie are hoping to put their £650,000 pay-out towards a family home near Cricklade where they are currently renting.

“It’s not about taking an exotic holiday every year or buying expensive gifts,” said Antony. “This money is for rebuilding my life, for doing the things I would be doing if I was still able to work full time and for providing for my family.

“I’d love us to have our own home but we are very happy where we are at the moment and have a great landlord so we’re in no hurry to move just yet.

“Just knowing we have that stability is enough.”

Antony’s solicitor, Andrew Campbell, of motorcycle accident law firm Bikelawyer, said: “The accident was a devastating and life changing event for Antony and his family.

“Antony has shown real courage and determination in picking up the pieces of his life and getting on with it as best he can and I wish him all the best for the future.”