A HAULIER who suffered serious injuries after being crushed under straw bales is suing a farmer for millions of pounds in damages.

London’s High Court heard Darren Griffin, 37, is now paraplegic and had to have a leg amputated above the knee after the accident in August 2011.

A stack of bales fell on Mr Griffin while he was visiting Ponsonby Farms, Great Lemhill, at Southrop, Gloucestershire, and he is seeking damages from owner George Ponsonby, trading as Ponsonby Farms.

The court heard the defendant admitted liability for the accident at an early stage, but the parties had not yet agreed on damages to be paid.

Mrs Justice Andrews yesterday ordered in the High Court that Mr Griffin immediately receive an interim payment of £1.1 million to tide him over – on the basis that he is likely to receive much more eventually.

The sum is to provide for ongoing costs of care, rehabilitation and loss of earnings, and to help him find a new home, which will have to be specially adapted to his needs.

The court heard he wants to live close to his parents and his haulage yard in Station Road, Kingham, near Chipping Norton.

The judge said: “Commendably, in spite of the injuries he has suffered, he is trying to keep his haulage business alive.”