A cyclist who suffered devastating head injuries in a fall caused by a "catastrophic" defect in the handlebar of his bike has won the right to a massive compensation payout.

Alan Ide sustained a "very severe closed head injury" after coming off his £1,295 Marin Rift Zone mountain bike on April 21, 2002.

The accountant, 48, from Shoreham, was wearing a helmet but his head wounds caused long-term brain damage, involving "impairment of cognitive functions".

His case reached the High Court after he pursued a unique compensation claim against ATB Sales, of Whitworth Road, St Leonards - the importer and distributor of the bike.

The company was in the firing line under the Consumer Protection Act, which imposes strict liability on importers of goods.

Mr Ide, who once ran his own business, was guaranteed a substantial damages payout when judge Mr Justice Gray ruled a "catastrophic defect" in the bike caused the accident.

Although the amount has yet to be assessed, millions of pounds have been awarded in similar cases.

Speaking at their home in The Driveway, Shoreham, yesterday, Mr Ide and his wife Sue said they were delighted with the ruling.

Mr Ide said: "After the accident I was in a really bad way. I had no memory and couldn't even remember the names of my family. It has been a very slow process to recover and it still affects the speed of my brain and my speed of thought.

"I am pleased with the judge's decision but there is still a chance the company could appeal."

The bike was designed by a Californian firm but Mr Ide's QC, Richard Lynagh, said its handlebar was made in Taiwan, where it was also assembled.

The barrister said Mr Ide crashed because the left end of the aluminium alloy handlebar was defective and "suddenly snapped".

Mr Ide, an experienced mountain biker who cycled for two hours each Sunday, was on a bridleway on the South Downs at the time. Losing control caused him to fall and strike his head on the ground.

Mr Ide had bought the bike, marketed and sold for off-road use, three years previously from ATB Sales.

The dealership argued Mr Ide had lost his balance and the handle bar had sheared off when it hit the ground.

Ruling in Mr Ide's favour, Mr Justice Gray said: "I accept that, at the time when Mr Ide met with his accident, there was a defect in his Marin bike.

"I further accept that, as a matter of probability, it was that defect ... which caused it to fracture."

Unless terms can be agreed in the meantime, the payout will be assessed at another hearing.