Epileptic ordered to pay £3,500 for contorted face
By Auslan Cramb, Scotland Correspondent
(Filed: 09/09/2002)

A man who suffers from epilepsy has been ordered to pay compensation to a student who was upset by his contorted face during a seizure.

In a case described by an epilepsy charity as "like something you would see on the Ally McBeal show", Edwin Young has been told to pay £3,500 to Yvonne Rennie for the mild post-traumatic stress that she suffered.

Mrs Rennie sued after Mr Young suffered an epileptic fit while driving four years ago and crashed into her car at traffic lights in Perth.

In a written judgment, Sheriff Michael Fletcher, at Perth sheriff court, accepted that she was upset by the look on Mr Young's face.

He said: "The defender suffered an epileptic fit and lost control of his vehicle. As a result of the fit, his face was contorted and this led the pursuer to believe that he was having a heart attack and was dying.

"Passers-by removed the defender from his car and placed him on the pavement to render him assistance. The sight of the defender lying on the pavement upset the pursuer."

The sheriff awarded a total of £6,000 compensation, including £1,500 for Mrs Rennie's slight injuries and £1,000 for the fear of driving that she had developed.

Epilepsy Action Scotland described the case as "bizarre".

Referring to the Ally McBeal television show, a spokesman said: "I have never come across anything like this. It is just extraordinary.

"Does this mean that you can sue someone having a heart attack? Anyone who goes to a football match on a Saturday could see that happen."

Mr Young and Mrs Rennie, both from Perth, refused to comment on the outcome of the case.

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