February 19, 2001 17:48: A TEENAGER who was severely injured in a hit-and-run accident is to get a six-figure compensation pay-out.

Michael Whalebone, now aged 15, of Ridgeway Crescent, Crayford, was seven years old when he was hit by a car in Sidcup Hill, Sidcup, on July 30, 1993.

Michael was left with severe head injuries and multiple broken bones, while the car driver Paula Willett, of James Road, Dartford, drove off without stopping.

His injuries were so bad he claimed more than £300,000 in compensation at the High Court last week.

But after negotiations outside court with lawyers acting for Ms Willett, Michael agreed to settle his claim on the basis of admitting 20 per cent liability for the accident.

The court heard Michael had been playing cricket with some older boys, when the ball was hit into the road.

One of the older boys told him to go and fetch it.

At first he said he was not allowed to cross the road without an adult, but was persuaded to go and he was hit by Ms Willett's Ford Fiesta on his way back with the ball.

She drove on without stopping.

Mr Justice Henriques said there were conflicting eye witness accounts of what had happened.

Two people said Michael had not run into the road and Ms Willett had not swerved her car, braked or sounded her horn.

But an ex-police officer had said Michael ran straight out in front of the car and Ms Willett had no chance to avoid him.

Michael's lawyers agreed to the 20 per cent discount in damages because there was no guarantee Ms Willett would be found responsible for the accident.