Lankan leeches spell 'success' for Britisher

A former British tourism student yesterday won his claim against a college that it breached its duty of care by not warning him of the danger of leeches on a barefoot walk through a jungle.

James Sheridan, 50, was bitten by leeches on his legs and abdomen during the jungle walk on a field trip to Sri Lanka in 2001.

He was awarded o4,795 against Swansea Institute of Higher Education, in a civil action at Cardiff County Court. But Sheridan may now have to pay the college's court costs as it was claimed at the end of the trial that it had offered him a o10,000 settlement earlier this year.

Sheridan told the court he was never told of this offer and the case was adjourned on the question of costs so statements can be obtained from both parties.

(iC Wales)