THE devastated family of a Ledbury father-of-three tragically killed by a drink driver has won almost £270,000 compensation for their loss.

Paul Unthank, 43, of Deer Park, Ledbury, died after he was hit by a minicab driven by Sebastian Swiatek in Upton Lane, East London in 2011.

Swiatek, who was two-and-a-half times the legal alcohol limit, was jailed for seven-and-a-half years last year after admitting causing death by careless driving while drunk.

Mr Unthank's widow, Nicola, 40, and his three children, Alice, Fred and Harry, launched a claim for damages against Swiatek and his insurers, who admitted liability for the accident.

A top judge at London's High Court this week approved a six-figure settlement to help secure the family's future.

Mr Justice Bean said Mr Unthank's "tragic death" came after the water company worker was struck by Swiatek's car while he worked close to a manhole early on October 13, 2011.

"Although there was no dispute in this case as to liability, there is inevitably in any claim like this, room for argument as to claims for future earnings and, indeed, claims for the duration of child dependency," said Justice Bean.

He said he was "glad to say" the parties had come to terms in a compromise that will see Mr Unthank's family paid a total of £268,000.

"I thank the legal advisers for their sensible conduct and I wish Mrs Unthank and her children all the best for the future," said the judge.