Constable wins $7m damages
THE Government has agreed to pay damages of around $7 million to a policeman accidentally shot with a plastic bullet while playing the part of a terrorist during training, it was revealed yesterday.
Constable Chun Chun-nam, 35, attached to the Special Duties Unit, suffered brain damage when hit in the chest by the bullet which had been negligently issued to the officer who fired it, the Court of Appeal has heard.
The 1987 accident has caused him loss of motor control, serious mental disability, and his behaviour has changed markedly.
Although offered a desk job, Mr Chun has now left the force.
Peter Davies, for the Government, said the final amount of damages to be paid had not yet been settled. But he accepted the figure would be in the region of $7 million.
Nicholas Pirie, representing the former officer, said he hoped the final amount paid to Mr Chun would be around $7.5 million.
The hearing, before Mr Justice Penlington, Mr Justice Nazareth, and Mr Justice Litton, was adjourned until March 6.
