A taxi driver who received devastating head injuries when his car struck a runaway horse has won a £1.25m compensation pay-out.

Khalid Mahmood, 27, of Fergusson Road, Banbury, suffered what were described as 'catastrophic brain injuries' in the tragedy in September 2004 as he was driving on the B4100 between Banbury and Bicester.

He lost control of his car when the horse 'Tansy' ran into the road, colliding with his vehicle. The car went on to hit a wall and a tree.

He sued Daniel and Judith Kleinman, of Caversfield House, Caversfield, near Bicester, who kept Tansy on their land, and from the horse's owner, Patricia Simonon.

In the High Court in London today, Judge David Mitchell approved the £1.25m settlement in favour of Mr Mahmood, saying the pay-out was entirely appropriate.