A brilliant inventor who lost both his Somerset homes and had to move into an industrial estate unit in Corsham after he divorced his wife, may end up getting nothing despite winning his case against negligent solicitors.

Robert Channon, 57, an engineer who developed a number of ideas including an insulin pump for diabetics and mini helicopters for the military, split from his wife Carol in 1992 after 23 years of marriage.

The acrimonious divorce case ended up with him losing both his Somerset homes and appeal court judges heard he had to move into an industrial estate unit.

Mr Channon, a diabetic himself who now lives at Ingoldmells Court, Edinburgh Way, Corsham, blamed the outcome of the case on his solicitors.

He sued Lindley Johnstone, the law firm which represented him during the 1992 divorce case. A judge at Bristol District Registry awarded him £25,000 damages and £16,000 interest from November 27, 2000. Mr Channon was also awarded £10,000 for inconvenience, distress and disappointment.

He recently appealed against the settlement and had the award increased to £35,000. But the judge ruled the solicitors could not be held responsible for all he had suffered since the divorce and stripped him of the £10,000 awarded for distress.

In essence, Mr Channon's compensation totals the same as before £35,000 although he will receive a few thousand pounds more in interest payments.

But, after legal costs and other bills are paid, it is unlikely that Mr Channon will in fact see any of the money.