A MAN who sued police after he was knocked down by a speeding patrol car has settled his claim out of court.

David Layton had his left leg amputated below the knee as a result of injuries he suffered in the accident six years ago.

He then won a damages claim brought against Cleveland Police in May last year, along with wife Lillian, who suffered minor injuries.

Last night, it emerged that the claim had finally been settled out of court following months of discussions, although both sides were refusing to comment on the amount of damages to be paid.

A statement from Mr Layton, issued through his solicitors Punch Robson, said: "I am happy with the settlement and glad that this has all come to an end so I can get on with my life."

Mr Layton, of Bruce Avenue, Middlesbrough was returning home from a night out with his wife on the evening of November 13, 1999 when he was hit by a car in Acklam Road, which was on its way to a 999 call.

He managed to push his wife out of the way, but took the brunt of the impact.

Judge Peter Fox, who heard the civil case at Teesside Crown Court, said that the driver, PC Trevor Myers, had been liable in terms of his driving being the cause of the accident.

He found that the officer, who was travelling at 60mph, had failed to sound his siren to give enough warning of his approach and could have avoided a collision had he reduced his speed by 10mph.

Mr Layton, who was hoping to start a job as a taxi driver before the accident, now has to wear a prosthetic limb.

He had already received a £5,000 interim payment from police, while his wife Lillian settled for an undisclosed sum shortly after the conclusion of the court case.