The driver of the London Underground train on which Jean Charles de Menezes was mistakenly shot dead has been awarded 1,000 pounds in damages for severe emotional trauma by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
Quincy Oji was the driver of the Northern Line train in July 2005 which was boarded by police in pursuit of the suspected suicide bomber and, as the unfortunate shooting took place, Quincy fled from his cab and ran into the tunnel. The CICA tribunal heard that Quincy was chased by armed police and in his panic tripped and fell to the ground.
Following the incident, Quincy was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and had to take a considerable amount of time off from his job before he was passed fit to continue driving trains.
Quincy´s original claim for damages for severe emotional trauma was rejected on the grounds that he was some distance from the shooting but, after seeking legal advice, Quincy appealed against the decision and, almost four years after the fateful incident in Stockwell Underground Station, was awarded personal injury damages amounting to 1,000 pounds.