Woman who suffered broken bones will receive compensation
A woman who suffered damage to her ankle as a result of a fall outside her home is to get compensation.
In July 2005, Louise Bell was walking her dog near her property when she tripped over a four-inch hole that had been left on a footpath following the removal of a tree.
The 49-year-old had to undergo surgery to repair broken bones and spent the next six months off work.
She subsequently made a claim against Havering Council, which is based in a London borough to the east of the city.
Although the local authority admitted liability initially, it subsequently withdrew this and denied responsibility.
In a new development, it has been ruled that Ms Bell should be awarded damages, although the precise amount is not yet known.
The move followed the decision by a judge that the landscape outside her home could be considered dangerous and the council is 66 per cent to blame.
