A SALISBURY woman, who suffered brain damage in a car crash when she was ten years old, has hailed a £1m court settlement as the key to a new life of independence.

Natasha Turner (22), of Winding Way, Bemerton Heath, was left in need of lifelong care and unable to hold down a job. Her mother Lesley was killed in the smash.

Last week, after 12 years of legal wrangles, a judge at the High Court in London said he had "no hesitation" in awarding Miss Turner the money.

Insurance company General Accident had fiercely disputed the nature and extent of Miss Turner's injuries.

It took more than 25 witnesses to testify that, prior to the accident, Natasha was a bright and bubbly child. Now she needs the help of two carers to be able to live independently.

She suffers from poor memory and clumsiness and is unable to eat properly. The medical and legal evidence in her case ran to 4,000 pages.

Miss Turner said: "There were times I doubted I was going to win but my lawyer worked for four years for nothing because he believed in my case.

"I went through depression because I didn't know how I was going to cope.

To have the court finally agree that the problem is to do with my injury, not me, is marvellous. Now it is all over my life is going to be much better."

Miss Turner will not receive a lump sum as a result of her settlement. All her finances are controlled by her solicitor Chris Whiteley, of Trethowans, Southampton.

He receives her income and pays all her household bills on her behalf. Mr Whiteley said: "This has been one of the most fiercely contested cases I have ever been involved in.

"I am extremely pleased that we have been successful in obtaining a substantial award of damages for her. It will ensure that she will be looked after and given the opportunity to enjoy a reasonable quality of life."

Now a new life in Wales beckons for Miss Turner and her boyfriend Craig. She said: "I want to move to Wales to be close to my mother's grave."