A doctor whose career was ruined by a rare medical condition that interfered with his sleep has won the right to substantial compensation.

Dr Sattish Khanna, 53, a family GP and police surgeon, had to retire from his practice in Langley Green, Crawley, because of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), the Court of Appeal heard.

Judge Sir Anthony Evans said the condition caused an obstruction in the respiratory tract when the sufferer was asleep.

In extreme cases a sufferer could stop breathing altogether, resulting in damage to the heart or brain.

OSA could also cause listlessness and impaired judgement.

Dr Khanna retired on ill-health grounds in November 1994 after being diagnosed with OSA. He had feared that the condition might lead him into "a serious mistake", the court heard.

He made a claim on insurance which covered him against being unable to carry on his work due to ill health and the insurers were later ordered to pay up by a High Court judge.

In the Appeal Court, the insurers argued the diagnosis of OSA had been wrong and that the true cause of Dr Khanna's sleeplessness was worry about financial problems, and extreme overwork.

But, dismissing the appeal, Sir Anthony told the court there was "ample evidence" to support the conclusion that OSA had made a material contribution to Dr Khanna's incapacity.

The amount they will have to pay Dr Khanna will be assessed at another court hearing if settlement terms are not agreed in the meantime.