PARENTS of a severely handicapped man knocked down by a car are anxiously waiting the verdict on a massive claim for compensation.

Down's syndrome sufferer Paul Slater suffered "catastrophic head injuries" in the accident in 1996, leaving him with brain damage and a need for round-the-clock care.

The 32-year-old, of Boundary Road, Loudwater, was carried 50 yards on the bonnet of a passing car, when he was hit crossing the busy road to board a minibus waiting to take him to Hillcrest Day Centre.

Mr Slater, 25 at the time, launched a claim for compensation against Buckinghamshire County Council and Cryers Hill-based transport firm Stigwoods through his parents Hilda and Clarence, last Monday.12.

Lawyers representing Mr Slater claim the county council's "negligence" led to the crash, and the authority thereby owed him a duty of care both while he was at the High Wycombe centre and during the journey there.

They also claim negligence on the part of Stigwoods, which had been contracted by the council to pick up and escort visitors to the centre.

But both parties deny they were in any way responsible for the accident in August 1996 which left Mr Slater with severe brain damage.

Elizabeth Ann Gumbol QC, representing the family, said that at about 8am on August 28, Mr Slater had walked to the end of his driveway to wait for the minibus.

The bus then pulled up on the opposite side of Boundary Road, and staff signalled for the handicapped man to wait while cars passed. But according to witnesses the escort stopped signalling at which point Mr Slater ran across the road and was struck by a Volkswagen Polo.

Miss Gumbol told London's High Court on Friday: "The council assumed responsibility for making arrangements for Mr Slater to travel to and from the day centre safely."

She added the travel firm were also liable because it had failed to comply with the council's requirements to provide an escort from his home to the minibus.

She said: "They (Stigwoods) also failed to train the escort adequately, or at all, and failed to ensure the minibus was parked on the side of the road where Mr Slater was waiting to board the bus so as to expose him to the risk of crossing the road."

However, Edward Faulks QC, for the council, argued if anyone was to blame for the tragedy it was the transport firm. He added the council had "engaged competent contractors" to escort Mr Slater and Stigwoods were aware of his disability.

But this was disputed by Richard Lynagh QC, representing Stigwoods, who argued the accident would have been avoided had the council offered "full details of Mr Slater's capabilities and shortcomings."

He added: "It was not unreasonable for the bus to stop on the opposite side of the road to Mr Slater's house in the mornings. The bus was facing in the direction it had to travel and the door was towards the nearside pavement."

The family must face an anxious wait for the court's judgement after Mr Justice Morland reserved his decision in the case indicating that he will give his ruling on Tuesday.