MoD dispute £200k 'fake claim'

A SAILING coach suing the Ministry of Defence for over £200,000 is facing accusations that he "threw himself off a ladder" for a fake compensation claim.

- Nev Ayling

David Shimells, 50, had been showing servicemen the ropes on a 34ft yacht when he says he fell from an access ladder and was badly hurt.

Amnesia

The ex-soldier claimed he suffered a head injury, causing amnesia so bad he could not recognise his own partner and children afterwards.

He is seeking damages, blaming the MoD for failing to secure the steps from which he was working at the time. But the MoD is disputing both liability for his fall and the extent of his injuries.