A LONG-HAUL flight passenger who feared he had developed a life-threatening deep-veined thrombosis has won a landmark victory over a travel company.

Brian Horan, 56, of Acton Place, Broken Cross, who runs manufacturing company Rackline, was awarded £500 following an eight-hour return flight to Canada which was cramped and uncomfortable.

The ruling may now force airlines to review the amount of space allocated to each passenger on flights.

County Court Judge Andrew Wallace sitting at Park Green said there was no evidence to suggest Brian had been exposed to risks of DVT during the package holiday provided by JMC Holidays.

But he found the company in breach of contract after accepting that Brian had suffered discomfort on the Boeing 767 flights - and he predicted a subsequent flood of similar claims.

He said: "I am satisfied Mr Horan did suffer some quite considerable discomfort as a result of the cramped conditions in the cabin.

"I accept that there may well be considerable commercial ramifications following this case."

Brian, in his moment of triumph, pledged the money to the MAST scanner appeal.

He said afterwards: "I have achieved more than I had hoped. I am not interested in the money, it is the principle.

"You have to let these people know they cannot treat their customers like cattle."

A JMC spokesman said: "JMC is currently taking advice on lodging an appeal."

Brian, his wife Val, and their young sons Andrew and Gregory, flew from Manchester last year as part of a £6,600 package holiday.

Six-footer Brian, who weighs 12 stone, said he suffered leg cramps during the journey and feared DVT.

When he booked in he was told there were no bulk-head seats with extra leg room available.

"I was physically unable to sit straight. I had to sit with my legs akimbo," he told the judge. "I was unable to read because the seat in front was too close. Eating was a nightmare, and it wasn't possible to sleep."

Brain, whose blood tests proved negative, said: "I was seriously preparing myself for the worst. Forty per cent of those who get DVT die. Sixty per cent are very seriously ill."

However, the Judge said there was no evidence to suggest DVT was caused by discomfort, or that Brian's health had been affected.

Sharon Sanderson, defending JMC Holidays, denied that the Airtours chartered aircraft was cramped. She said: "We deal with customer service with reasonable skill and care."

Miss Sanderson said the Boeing 767 complied with Civil Aviation Authority standards but she conceded that the regulations covered only aircraft safety - not comfort.

A CAA spokesman said later: "Our regulations purely cover safety issues, and whether you can get up and get out of your seat."