Family of brain damaged police officer in ‘permanent vegetative state’ after horror motobike crash fight to let him die
Former soldier Paul Briggs suffered a severe brain injury while riding his motorbike to work in Merseyside in July last year
THE grieving family of a cop who was left in a "permanent vegetative state" after a devastating crash will learn if he can be allowed to die next week.
Former soldier Paul Briggs suffered a severe brain injury while riding his motorbike to work in Merseyside in July last year.
Novice driver Chelsea Rowe, 26, of Wirral, admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving and was jailed for a year in July.
In the 17 months since the crash the 43-year-old has been kept alive in a minimally conscious state in hospital by life-sustaining treatment.
Doctors predict the Gulf War veteran could live for up to nine years, with little chance of recovery, with support.
They say this would fall to two weeks if it was removed.
His family, including his wife Lindsey, strongly believe he would not have wanted to carry on living like this and would want the support withdrawn.
But as Mr Briggs hadn't written his wishes in advance should something like this happen the decision falls on the Court of Protection.
From Monday a High Court judge sitting at the court will make a decision after hearing from several medical expert as well as his family.
related stories
Before the accident Mr Briggs was a dedicated policeman who lived an active life, according to his family.
The accident left him with a bleed on the brain, five fractures in his spine, bruising to internal organs and several other severe injuries.
It has left him unable to speak, make any informed decisions or have any independent control of his body.
An independent doctor has diagnosed Paul as being in a "permanent vegetative state".
Lindsey is being represented by law firm Irwin Mitchell.
Mathieu Culverhouse from the firm said: "The time since Paul's accident has been extremely difficult for Lindsey and Paul's family and Lindsey just wants what is best for him.
"She firmly believes that the withdrawal of treatment is in Paul's best interests given his previously expressed wishes, his injuries and his current condition and prognosis.
"We will continue to support Lindsey through the legal process as she continues to fight for Paul's wishes and feelings to be respected and we will be asking the Court of Protection this week for treatment to be withdrawn based on all the available evidence Lindsey has received."
The hearing will take place at the Manchester Civil Justice Centre and will begin on Monday. It is due to last for four days.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368