Former RAF corporal to get compensation over illness

Shaun Wood, of Northallerton, North Yorkshire, suffers symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease as a result of the solvents he was exposed to as an aircraft painter and finisher, between 1975 and 1995.

The MoD denied the chemicals had caused permanent damage, claiming Mr Wood’s symptoms were as a result of “psychological factors”.

However, three judges at the Appeal Court in London yesterday found in Mr Wood’s favour after pointing to similar cases in involving RAF servicemen.

The amount of compensation paid to Mr Wood will be determined at another hearing.

Mr Wood, 53, said the ruling brought an end to a long and stressful legal battle.

He said: “I am hoping to get a reasonable settlement, but it is not about the money.

“It will make us comfortable, but they could give me £50m and I would still not be able to go dancing with my wife.”

Despite his ordeal, Mr Wood, who has three sons, two of whom are serving airmen, said the experience had not tainted his years in the forces.

At yesterday’s hearing, Dame Janet Smith said that, although there was no scientific proof of a connection between Mr Wood’s suffering and chemical exposure, expert studies showed there was a probable link.

Mr Wood worked at RAF Leeming, in North Yorkshire, as well as at a base in Germany. He was exposed to the chemicals both by inhalation and through skin contact.

His work involved stripping paint from aircraft, before preparing the surfaces for repainting.

MoD lawyers admitted Mr Wood had been negligently exposed to solvents, but denied they were connected to his illness, saying there was “no satisfactory scientific evidence that they could cause permanent damage short of death”.

Mr Wood’s barrister, Andrew Hogarth QC, described the “Victorian”

working environment, with poor ventilation and breathing equipment.

An MoD spokesman said that, where liability was proved, it would pay compensation.