A FATHER who suffered serious injuries in an accident at work was celebrating yesterday after learning he is to receive a six-figure pay out.David Taylor, 34, of Defoe Crescent in Colchester, broke his back in three places when a three-quarter-ton grass-topping machine fell on top of him as he was working on it.

A FATHER who suffered serious injuries in an accident at work was celebrating yesterday after learning he is to receive a six-figure pay out.

David Taylor, 34, of Defoe Crescent in Colchester, broke his back in three places when a three-quarter-ton grass-topping machine fell on top of him as he was working on it.

Mr Taylor was employed at Old House Farm in Great Horkesley when a chain supporting the rear of the grass-topper snapped, causing it to collapse and leaving him pinned with his head by his knees and his right arm across his lap.

Unable to feel his legs, he tried to lever himself out from beneath the machine by using one elbow, but he could hardly breathe and was close to losing consciousness when he flopped forward and out from under the topper.

Around half an hour later a visitor to the farm where Mr Taylor was working on the fateful afternoon in November 2000 found him and called an ambulance.

Mr Taylor still has problems walking as a result of the accident and also has difficulty sleeping. He has not been at work since he was injured.

But yesterday he said he was delighted that lawyers for his former employers, farmers Timothy and Geoff Knighton, had agreed to pay an out-of-court settlement of a six-figure sum.

Mr Taylor had issued proceedings against the two Great Horkesley farmers after they were fined £4,000 in October 2001 for breaching health and safety regulations in connection with the accident.

They had denied the accusation. In court Timothy Knighton conceded neither he nor Mr Taylor had formal health and safety training but said he believed his risk assessment procedures had been adequate, based on his experience.

Yesterday Mr Taylor, who lives with his wife Teresa and six-year-old son Jake, said: "It's wonderful. I am glad it's over. It has been going on for four years."

"When the cheque gets here I will be very happy, but to be honest it feels like I have already got it.

"It is all such a relief, especially knowing that I won't have to go to court again.

"My condition has improved. I can walk more freely now. Sleeping is still a bit of a problem - if I overdo it one day it is bad the next.

"I am hoping to work again, but I don't know what I will do or when."

Yesterday Mr Taylor's solicitor Simon Davis confirmed that the matter had been settled out of court for a six-figure sum, but he declined to give the precise amount.

Tim Knighton, of H.M. and G.M. Kinghton, declined to comment yesterday.