than $650,000 damages -- believed to be one of the highest ever pay-outs in Bermuda.

The Supreme Court also awarded her husband $500 for the damage to their relationship from the accident.

Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Theresa Eileen Haley has been put through a terrible ordeal of pain.

She also changed from an outgoing, active person, becoming withdrawn and forgetful.

The accident occurred on August 20, 1985 while she was holidaying on the Island.

She was knocked down by a motor cyclist on the pedestrian crossing near the Inverurie Hotel, Harbour Road, Paget.

The bike was ridden by Mr. Lance Murray Crockwell, defendant in the subsequent lawsuit.

Former nun Mrs. Haley, then 49, received multiple injuries, including concussion from a head wound.

She also suffered fractures to ribs, left ankle, neck, and right index finger, and bruising and cuts all over her body.

Chest pains and breathing difficulties resulted as well.

Mrs. Haley was treated at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital until August 25, before being transferred to Abington Memorial Hospital, Pennsylvania.

After further operations, she left hospital in a wheelchair. Later she was able to use a walker.

Her hoped-for recovery, however, did not happen and she was forced to endure years of agonising pain.

The ankle wound was slow to heal, leaving her a with a scar, which could only hidden by long pants.

She also suffered back pains, had difficulty moving her finger, and by October 1986 was diagnosed as having post-concussion syndrome.

Meanwhile her weight soared, and she later complained of pain like a fist going through her back.

By August 1987 she was unable to stand or walk for any period, and suffering swollen knees.

She was forced her to give up kindergarten teaching -- never to return to the classroom.

Mrs. Haley also suffered psychological problems, radically altering her personality.

No longer was she outgoing, or actively involved in schools and churches. No longer could she do the family shopping, or kneel in church.

And no longer could she sleep in her normal bed. Instead she had to buy a specially adjustable one.

The misery also hit the family's finances.

Eventually last August Mrs. Haley, and her husband, Thomas, married since 1972, were forced to leave their Philadelphia home and move to Arizona for a cheaper lifestyle.

But because of the market, their home went for $35,000 below its estimated value.

The couple now carry a $70,000 mortgage in Arizona.

This week Puisne Judge the Hon. Mr. Justice Ward delivered his assessment of damages for both of them.

In his statement, he pointed out Mrs. Haley, now 56, was still suffering five years after the accident and not improving.

Loss of earnings from February 15, 1986 to September 2, 1992 amounted to $225,078.78.

Mr. Ward stresses Mrs. Haley also might reasonably have expected to have continued teaching until 65.

"Mrs. Haley through no fault of her own has suffered a grave reduction in the quality and enjoyment of life.

"She suffered serious physical and psychological damage,'' he said.

Mr. Ward awarded Mrs. Haley, the first plaintiff, a total of $651,990.14, with interest.

For her husband, the second plaintiff, he awarded $500, saying any claim for damages for loss of consortium must, in Bermuda, be modest.

He awarded costs to the plaintiffs.

Last night lawyer Mr. John Cooper, for the defendant, said an appeal was likely against some portions of the award.