THE Royal Yachting Association has been criticised by lawyers for refusing to admit liability for seven years, after a teenager was left brain damaged in a powerboat accident in Portland Harbour.

Benn Ridd was 13-years-old in June 2005 when the boat he was navigating “hooked” as the 10-year-old driver tried to make the first turn in a race in Portland Harbour organised by the Royal Yachting Association.

It came to a halt in the choppy seas and was hit on the port side by a boat travelling behind, driven by an 11-year-old, striking Ben hard on the head and fracturing his skull.

He suffered devastating injuries and after a long legal battle taken up by expert personal injury lawyers Novum Law, he was awarded £5.5million in damages at the High Court.

“It has been a lengthy battle to obtain a just settlement for Ben who requires support and rehabilitation for the remainder of his life due to his catastrophic injuries,” said associate solicitor Kim Chamberlain.

“There have been constant challenges throughout the life of this case and it is regretful that the Royal Yachting Association refused, for over seven years, to admit liability for this devastating powerboat accident. Ben suffered serious life-threatening injuries and almost lost his life. That refusal to admit liability meant that for many years, Ben did not have access to the specialist therapies, rehabilitation and support he desperately needed to enable Ben and his family to move on with their lives, adding to the ordeal already faced by him and his family.”

The force of the collision knocked Ben’s helmet off his head. A paramedic quickly on the scene administered CPR on the boat and he was airlifted by Coastguard helicopter to Dorchester Hospital then to the neurological unit at Southampton Hospital where he was in a coma for three weeks.

Despite his horrific experience Ben, of Poole, has retained his passion for the water, attempting water skiing and canoeing for the disabled and continues to go out with his dad on powerboats.

“Our son has demonstrated amazing fortitude and courage since his accident and amazed us all,” said his mum, Leanne Ridd. “He is determined to be as independent as his injuries allow him to be.”