UNISON, the UK's largest public sector trade union, has won £90,000 compensation for a police administrator hit by an uninsured driver on Christmas Eve 1999.

The driver, Chris Chambers, who was working as a Clerical Assistant in South Yorkshire police at the time of the incident, suffered multiple injuries in the crash, including fractures of his right leg and forearm and left wrist. He also suffered serious ligament injury to his knee and face, cuts and bruises, and further injuries to his neck and chest.

Commenting on the accident, Chris Chambers, now 34, said:

"It was Christmas Eve and I was driving towards Maltby, when I was involved in a head on collision with a car that had crossed onto my side of the carriageway. I was trapped inside my car for several hours and had to be cut free by the emergency services.

"I remained in hospital all through Christmas and into the millennium New Year. My medical situation has continued to impact on my life due to the need for multiple operations and long-term rehabilitation."

Cliff Williams UNISON Regional Secretary, said:

"This was a shocking case and our member, Chris Chambers, is lucky to be alive. He suffered serious injuries and spent Christmas and New Year in hospital. He also needed long-term medical help after the headlong collision with an uninsured driver.

"Fortunately, Mr Chambers was a UNISON member, and was able to get out support to secure the compensation he deserves for his horrific injuries."

Representing Mr Chambers, Angela Davies from Thompson Solicitors who brought the case for UNISON, said:

"The other driver was convicted of driving without due care and attention and was fined. It's a huge relief for Chris and his family that this case has settled successfully."