Accident victim's career claim disputed
A LIGHTING technician who claims his dream career in the rock music industry was shattered in an horrific car crash was "certain" to succeed had tragedy not intervened, London's High Court heard this week.
Graham Leesmith (29), of Tyndale, North Wootton, had his left leg amputated at the knee in October 2003 after his motorcycle was hit by an oncoming car as he travelled along the A246 in Leatherhead, Surrey.
He also fractured two fingers on his right hand in the impact.
His case is now being heard in the High Court, where he is pursuing a substantial compensation claim against the insurers of the other motorist involved, Gordon Evans, of Overdale Avenue, New Malden, Surrey.
After a harrowing spell of recovery and rehabilitation Mr Leesmith battled to salvage his hopes of establishing a name in the world of rock music lighting, but was finally forced to relinquish his ambitions.
But this week his claims faced the suggestion that there was an element of "speculation" over the belief he was destined for a career at the summit of his dream profession.
Lawyers for the insurers defending his seven-figure compensation claim said his career to date had assumed "snakes and ladders" characteristics by the time of the 2003 crash, involving a variety of different jobs.
However, Mr Leesmith's barrister Mr David Melville cited evidence from a former girlfriend who said a top-flight career in entertainment lighting was a dream he had pursued for years.
Mr Melville urged Mr Justice Cooke to rule that his client was already well on his way to achieving his goals, having recently "fallen on his feet" in acquiring a coveted new position.
He said the judge should reject defence claims that the question of his future career was open to doubt, with or without the accident.
But hotly disputing the amount of Mr Leesmith's damages payout, defence counsel Mr Christopher Grimes said claims that he was destined for the top in the lighting industry are "a bit like a footballer saying he's going to be the next David Beckham."
After a six-day hearing Mr Justice Cooke has reserved his decision until a later date.
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