A YORK man whose life was wrecked by the Selby rail disaster today broke a three-year silence to voice outrage about crash driver Gary Hart telling his story on TV.

The crash nearly cost Stephen Lofthouse his life - and he blames it for wrecking his marriage and cutting short his career.

Hart refuses to apologise for the disaster and claims he is in "exactly the same situation" as the bereaved and injured.

Stephen, 44, suffered horrific injuries when Hart's Land Rover derailed a high-speed express train in February 2001, killing ten and injuring more than 70.

Left with a fractured skull, a shattered shoulder, metal eye socket and a life-threatening blood clot on one leg, Stephen was critically ill for weeks.

Today he is still in constant pain after ten gruelling operations. His movement is limited, the left side of his face is completely numb and he is undergoing counselling.

Speaking from his house in Acomb, he told how these mental and physical scars make him a virtual prisoner there.

Just hours before Hart vehemently maintains his innocence on national television, Stephen told the Evening Press he is still waiting for Hart's insurers to settle a six-figure damages claim.

When he saw a promotional clip of tonight's documentary, in which Hart questioned evidence used to convict him, Stephen decided "enough was enough".

The former postal worker and soldier, who had previously agreed to stay silent if all parties "played ball", said: "I think it's a joke that Hart is being allowed to speak on the television."

He added: "He's done two-and-a-half years in prison for killing ten people and injuring 76, and has never shown any remorse. Yet, after three-and-a-half years, my compensation claim has not been sorted.

"My life will never be the same again. It's a disgrace."

The BBC said Hart was not paid for appearing in the documentary, and a Fortis insurance spokeswoman said the company wanted to settle Mr Lofthouse's claim as swiftly as possible.

"The nature of Mr Lofthouse's injuries have meant that the medical teams have had to allow for recovery time, before being able to accurately assess the long term effects," she said.

"Although this is a lengthy process, it is in Mr Lofthouse's interests that the full extent of any problems are understood.

"Fortis has made six interim payments to Mr Lofthouse. Fortis is currently awaiting medical reports in order to establish a final settlement figure."

Analysis: Dan Jones examines Gary Hart's thoughts, and Stephen Lofthouse tells his side of the story>>

Updated: 10:18 Tuesday, October 26, 2004