The mother of a severely disabled 12-year-old boy, whose twin brother died in the womb, is seeking damages from a consultant obstetrician for the injuries he suffered at birth.

James McCarthy of Derrygrath in Clonmel, Co Tipperary, has cerebral palsy and spastic quadriplegia.

The court heard in April 2001, while expecting twins, Linda McCarthy was referred to consultant obstetrician Raymond Howard at St Joseph's Hospital in Clonmel.

She was never seen by Mr Howard but by his registrar who recommended that she be admitted to the hospital in November 2011 following a scan.

However this did not happen – Linda McCarthy was sent home until another scan a week later showed one of the twins had died in utero.

An emergency section was carried out and her son James was born with severe mental and physical disabilities.

The consultant Mr Howard has admitted liability and the High Court is now being asked to assess damages.

Lawyers for James McCarthy have told the court that the 12 year old can't speak or sit unaided and that he'd spend his life on his back if it weren't for the dedicated care of his parents.