Serious crash after thugs threw brick through window

Former ambulance driver Nick Horobin lost an eye when a concrete block was thrown through the window of his ambulance, leading it to crash. Now he has received compensation and is retraining as a nurse.

37-year-old Nick’s ambulance swerved and crashed into a hedge, leaving him with serious injuries, eight years ago. He had a fractured skull, for which he needed 18 metal plates fitting, and his right eyeball had to be removed. Nick also suffered mild brain damage.

Nick spent six weeks in hospital, undergoing four eye operations, and may need further surgery after he was fitted with an artificial eye. He now lives with balance problems, having recovered after his speech and coordination were affected in the accident.

Compensation

Nick received £100,000 compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, as nobody was ever caught. Nick fought for a larger sum after he was offered £40,000 and £67,000 figures, believing them un-reflective of the seriousness of his injuries.

Nick’s successful career as an ambulance driver “was cruelly cut short by the horrific incident,” said Tim Slater of East Midlands Ambulance Service, adding “I am very pleased to learn that Nick has another opportunity to develop a career in what he did so well – caring for others. This demonstrates a remarkable strength in character,” (BBC News, 2009).

Now Nick is retraining as a nurse, after missing his career working with the public. “It’s three years down the line and it will be hard work, but it will be worth it in the end,” said Nick, who has a place at Staffordshire University for March 2010 (BBC News, 2009).