Big payout for wounded policeman
A police control room operator shot in a training exercise has agreed a six-figure compensation payout.
Keith Tilbury, 56, was taking part in Thames Valley Police firearms awareness training in May 2007 when Pc David Micklethwaite shot him in the stomach, causing devastating injuries.
Mr Tilbury said he was "pleased" to have the money to help him deal with his injuries and to pay for any future treatment.
Micklethwaite, who believed he had loaded a "dummy" round, was convicted under health and safety legislation last September, and ordered to pay an £8,000 fine and £8,000 costs. He retired from the force, avoiding disciplinary action.
London-based law firm Field Fisher Waterhouse said Mr Tilbury settled his claim against Thames Valley Police for a "six figure sum" out of court after the force admitted liability for the incident.
Mr Tilbury said: "The firearms training officer took a revolver, loaded it and fired it, almost killing me, causing major injuries and certainly putting an end to my career.
"I am pleased that Thames Valley Police have acknowledged that mistakes were made and that I have been awarded compensation that will help me to deal with the injuries."