An entertainer and hypnotist Mr Paul Goldin, is to receive an undisclosed sum in settlement of a claim for damages arising out of a road accident six years ago.
Mr Goldin (70), of Old Conna Lodge, Ferndale Road, Bray, Co Wicklow, was accompanied by his friend, the British investigative journalist Roger Cook, during yesterday's brief High Court hearing before Mr Justice O'Donovan.
Mr Goldin claimed he suffered severe pain in his neck when the car he was driving was struck in the rear by a motor car owned by Mr Dermot Monaghan, of Ara New Ark, Barnasmore, Co Donegal, at Rathnew, Co Wicklow, on September 27th, 1992.
Mr Goldin claimed he was initially knocked unconscious, taken to hospital and placed in a cervical collar. On the day following the accident, he was vomiting, had pain in his neck and tingling in his fingers. A hissing sound developed in his head a week later.
When reviewed in December 1993, Mr Goldin claimed he was extremely depressed and his symptoms were "getting him down". In May 1993, he had buzzing sounds in his ears, instability and dizziness and as a result, had fallen down steps and hurt his left knee.
Mr Goldin, according to his statement of claim, had significant pre-existing degenerative cervical problems but no significant symptoms related to this before his injury.
He claimed his ability to earn his livelihood had been severely and adversely affected and he had not recovered from the effects of his injuries. The defence denied Mr Goldin's claims.
In court yesterday, Mr Nicholas Kearns SC, for Mr Goldin said the action had been settled and the case was not going ahead.
Mr Justice O'Donovan said he had seen Mr Goldin performing a hypnotic act when he was a junior counsel on circuit in Roscommon many years ago.
Another junior counsel who was with him had had to go on to the stage to ask Mr Goldin to release his hands.