A MAN born brain-damaged after he was starved of oxygen has begun a court battle for compensation.

The accident to Alexander Leaney, now 22, happened only half an hour after his twin brother Jonathan was born healthy at the former Cuckfield Hospital, near Haywards Heath.

His mother Jane, of Oathall Road, Haywards Heath, is seeking what are described as substantial damages on behalf of Alexander.

As a result of the oxygen starvation at delivery, he cannot walk or speak properly, the High Court heard.

He has great difficulty writing, and is unable to carry out day-to-day tasks such as doing up his own shoe laces or buttons.

His counsel, Frank Burton QC, said Mr Leaney had struggled courageously to overcome his disabilities.

Mr Burton said: "He suffered significant anoxia which has left him with very extensive disabilities."

Mr Leaney, through his mother, is claiming his birth was negligently managed at Cuckfield Hospital on May 22, 1976.

He is suing West Sussex Health Authority, as managers of the hospital, and Peter Firth, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist who supervised the delivery.

Both the authority and Mr Firth deny liability.

There is disagreement on whether a contract existed between Mrs Leaney, her husband, and Mr Firth and whether the health authority could be held responsible for any negligence that might be proved on the part of Mr Firth.

The court heard that Mrs Leaney already had four children when admitted for the delivery.

Alexander presented a breach birth, with added complications when he turned in the womb and the umbilical cord prolapsed.

The court was told that it was intended that the birth should be managed by another consultant but Mrs Leaney's husband chose another doctor when told the first would not allow fathers to be present.

Mr Burton told the hearing it was agreed Mrs Leaney's husband would pay Mr Firth £150.

Mr Firth, from Haywards Heath, disputes that there was any fee.

The hearing continues.

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