Ex-Gurkha Padam wins fight for compensation

10.58.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 11th Jul 2008

Former Gurkha Padam Limbu has won a damages pay-out of £121,750 at the High Court today. Padam was shot shot in the right leg during an overseas training exercise in 2002 and was left with damaged tissue and nerves and still cannot walk long distances.

Judge Philip Mott awarded damages against the MoD, which had admitted liability. He said Mr Limbu was "made to feel like a refugee" at his home in Folkestone, despite enlisted in the army in 1989 on his first attempt and having a good career for 13 years.

Gurkha campaigner and Folkestone Councillor Dhan Gurung was delighted with the result. He said:

"This is a very good news for Padam - I'm delighted for him."

Cheriton Councillor Tim Prater added:

"I first met Padam a few months ago. Due to his injuries, the army had discharged him and removed him from their Folkestone barracks within a matter of hours giving him just £100 to survive on.

"They left him with nowhere to stay, and made it as hard as possible for him to live in the country: his leave to stay to seek citizenship blocked any Council from giving him any assistance - not even somewhere to stay.

"Padam has now Indefinite Leave to Remain, meaning is is now allowed to stay and work in this country. With this payout for his injuries, he can look forward to the future with more confidence."