Two police officers injured when youths threw a brick through the windscreen of their car have won the right to substantial compensation at London's Appeal Court.

John David Robinson and Michael Mohon were in a patrol car pursuing a stolen vehicle through Sunderland's Pennywell Estate when it was attacked by youths in February 1993.

The car was travelling at about 70mph when the brick hit, striking PC Robinson in the face. He suffered major injuries, including brain damage affecting his memory and speech.

The car's driver, PC Mohon, who later suffered post traumatic stress disorder, probably saved his colleague's life by rushing him to hospital.

Both officers, who were subsequently retired from the Northumbria Police Force, sued the county's chief constable who was found liable to pay them compensation by Judge Sean Spencer at Newcastle County Court in November last year.

Yesterday, the chief constable had his appeal against the ruling dismissed by three top judges whose decision finally guarantees both former officers full compensation for their injuries.