A GREATER Manchester man has received a £9.5 million compensation payout after he was knocked down by a speeding car.

The 26-year-old, who a judge ordered must not be identified, suffered head injuries and had to undergo 17 operations on his brain after being hit by the BMW.

He also endured "numerous operations" to repair his shattered body and is now largely dependent on a wheelchair.

The High Court heard he was knocked down at a busy East London junction after moving down to the capital from Greater Manchester to take up a top IT job.

His barrister, Robert Weir QC, said he had been "running across the road, probably with headphones in his ears" at the time.

The man's lawyers sued the BMW driver's insurers, who accepted "primary liability" for the accident.

Today, they agreed to settle the case, on a 70 per cent liability basis, for a lump sum of £9,500,000.

Judge Sir Robert Francis, told the court: "This is a very sad case. This young man, at the age of 26, had everything in his life before him."

"He had a first class degree, he had a good job, he was highly regarded by his employer and was in a steady relationship.

"But all of that changed in an instant when he was knocked down by a speeding driver."

The man moved back to Manchester following the incident and is now living close to family and friends, the court heard.

The judge added: "He is able to struggle to his feet and walk, with great difficulty, and can undertake the difficult task of making a cup of tea."

"Sadly, this young man will be disabled for the rest of his life and will need a great deal of assistance to make as much of his life as possible.

"He is a young man of immense character and I would describe him as a fighter."

Considering the extent of his injuries, Mr Weir said he had recovered exceptionally well, largely due to the tireless care of his mother.

A video that showed him boiling a kettle, pouring milk and making a cup of tea was "impressive" and showed "signal progress", he added.

Approving the compromise, the judge concluded: "No sum can compensate for the huge loss that this young man has suffered in his life."