Paralysed man seeks €3m compensation

AN Irishman left paralysed from the neck down following a diving accident in Australia is seeking €3 million in compensation.

Gary Mulligan, a 32-year-old former train driver, is claiming damages totalling Aus$5m, according to papers lodged with the New South Wales Supreme Court.

Legal history will be made when the presiding judge from Australia, as well barristers, solicitors and court officials travel next week to Ireland for the hearing.

It was decided that because of the seriousness of Mr Mulligan's injuries he would be unable to travel to Australia.

The New South Wales court had considered using a video link or asking an Irish judge to hear the Dubliner's evidence.

But it was then decided that because of the potentially large payout that the court would come to Ireland.

The travel expenses are expected to be given out of any award.

Mr Mulligan was left paralysed from the neck down when he hit his head on a sandbank after diving into the water at Coffs Harbour, a popular seaside resort about half way between Brisbane and Sydney.

Mr Mulligan, from Donnycarney in north Dublin, is suing Coffs Harbour City Council, the Marine Parks Authority and the New South Wales Department of Land and Water Conservation.

He claims the construction of a pier led directly to the formation to the sandbank in a designated safe swimming area. There were no warning signs posted, he alleges.

Mr Mulligan spent several months in an Australian hospital following the accident in January 1999.

His girlfriend, Jennifer Brady, is also suing authorities in Coffs Harbour over the accident. It is claimed it was her quick thinking she jumped in and pulled him to the surface that saved his life.