A HASLEMERE pensioner critically injured after he was struck by a hit-and-run driver while walking in Lower Street three years ago, was awarded £1 million in compensation by the High Court on Monday.

James Laurie, who was 68, was making a good recovery from a stroke he had suffered some years before when the incident occurred. He was airlifted to the Royal Sussex Hospital, in Brighton, where his condition was described as critical.

The car involved failed to stop but was seen to have extensive windscreen damage.

Lee Sharkey, 46, of Farnham, was later arrested for failing to stop at the scene.

Mr Laurie broke both legs and suffered a head injury as a result of the accident. He now suffers from lapses in concentration, motivation and memory, and has a sight problem. After leaving hospital, he has been living in a care and rehabilitation centre.

Following the accident, he sued the insurers of the driver for damages.

The compensation received this week, in settlement from Sabre Insurance Company, will be used to ensure he continues to get the best care possible.

Both parties agreed Mr Laurie should receive 70 per cent of the full value of his claim to take account of the risk of him getting nothing if the case had to go to trial.

Sharkey was convicted at South West Surrey Magistrate’s Court, in August 2012, of failing to stop following a road traffic accident, failing to provide a specimen for analysis and being in possession of a bladed article.

He was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment and disqualified from driving for four years.