A former primary school pupil who suffered a horrific classroom accident when a paintbrush penetrated his eye is seeking £2.5million compensation.

Another child bumped into Thomas Brown, who lost his balance and fell on to the end of a classmate’s paintbrush.

The end of the 12-inch long brush went into the 10-year-old’s left eye and brain, leaving him with severe disabilities, a court heard.

Thomas’ father, Christopher Brown, of Birrens Road, Motherwell, is suing North Lanarkshire Council at the Court of Session in Edinburgh over the incident in April 2003 at Ladywell Primary School, Motherwell.

Thomas was taken to hospital after the accident and was detained for more than a month.

It is said he has no sight in his left eye and has been left with a number of permanent disabilities. He has poor concentration and memory and significant fatigue.

In the action it is alleged the prospects of Thomas, now 17, getting a job are remote because of “his significant cognitive impairment” and it is unlikely he will be able to live independently in the future.

It is said that after the accident the council issued “a safety flash” instructing teachers that art work should not be carried out at floor level and that paintbrush handles should be shortened.

The council, which is contesting the action, maintains it was not foreseeable that an injury of this magnitude would occur. It claims it fulfilled its duties of care and maintains the sum sued for is excessive.

The hearing continues.