AN Ely businessman whose leg was shattered when his high-powered motorbike collided with a tractor is now battling for six-figure compensation in London s High Court. Nicholas Goad, 41, of Littleport, suffered a devastating fracture to his right leg when

AN Ely businessman whose leg was shattered when his high-powered motorbike collided with a tractor is now battling for six-figure compensation in London's High Court.

Nicholas Goad, 41, of Littleport, suffered a devastating fracture to his right leg when his 1,000cc motorbike impacted with the tractor in Ely Road, Little Downham, on June 15 2006.

His solicitor, Richard Gaffney, said outside court that Mr Goad had in many respects made a "remarkable" recovery in the four years since the accident - despite his severe injuries.

But his leg fracture has left a legacy of chronic pain and he must face the possibility that osteomyelitis - an insidious infection of the bone - could be affecting the stricken limb.

Mr Goad, who runs a car dealership, is seeking substantial damages from insurers representing the tractor's driver, Peter Butcher, and from WI Butcher and Sons, both of whom deny liability.

The case reached London's High Court this week as Judge Richard Seymour QC was asked to rule on whether or not Mr Butcher was responsible for the accident.

Andrew Davis, for Mr Goad, claimed the accident was caused by the tractor "turning right across Mr Goad's path" when it was unsafe to do so.

Mr Goad had turned right out of Cannon Street, and was heading towards Ely Road to visit a friend in Cowbridge Hall Road, when he was hit.

Mr Davis told the court: "As Mr Goad approached the junction with Cowbridge Hall Road, Mr Butcher was driving his tractor and trailer in the opposite direction along Ely Road, intending to turn right into the first opening at the mouth of Cowbridge Hall Road."

Mr Butcher "cut the corner as he made the right turn ", restricting his view of the road, the barrister claimed, and did not stop before he made the turn.

Mr Butcher, for his part, disputes that the motorcyclist was in sight when he commenced his turn, and denies that he cut the corner.

Judge Seymour reserved his decision in the case after a two-day hearing. He will now give his ruling at an unspecified later date.