A victim of the July 7 London bombings is seeking compensation nearly 12 years on from the terrorist attack, after developing multiple sclerosis.
Stafano Poborko, of Newbridge, was working at the time as an architectural stonemason and was running late for a meeting in the capital. He was on a Tube train between King’s Cross and Aldgate when a suicide attacker detonated a bomb during morning rush-hour.
Mr Poborko, who is now 52, suffered severe burns to his back, head and ear and spent two weeks in hospital. A fellow passenger on the train died in his arms and he has since suffered from anxiety and depression.
In 2012 he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis after he started having problems with his balance and mobility, and was forced to give up work.
Mr Poborko believes the onset of MS is related to his injuries from 2005 – despite the view of experts to the contrary. He now uses a wheelchair and relies on his fiancee Louise Britt as his primary carer.
In March 2015 he decided to apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) for his injuries, but is still waiting for a decision.
He told BBC Wales: “I want it sorted – it’s ridiculous. All I was doing was running late for work, and I got blown up.
“I just want to get on with my life, with Louise, in our home.”
Mr Poborko has criticised the delay in determining his case.
His solicitor Glyn Maddocks, of Gabb and Co, said: “Everybody in this country who suffers violence, whether they are beaten up in a railway station or are a victim of childhood abuse, is entitled to compensation from the CICA.
“Mr Poborko was a victim of the 7/7 bombings. The train he was in was blown-up and he suffered bruising and quite severe burns, not life-threatening thankfully.
“Someone died in his arms and that has had a hugely traumatic effect on his subsequent life.”
Although there is a time limit of two years for applications to the CICA, it is allowed to use discretion in deciding applications. Mr Maddocks said the CICA was not using the time limit against his client.
A CICA spokesperson said the organisation could not comment on individual cases, but added: “We express our sympathy to all victims of crime and are committed to resolving applications as quickly and sensitively as possible.”
On July 7, 2005, four bombs went off in London, claiming the lives of 52 men and women, and injuring more than 700 commuters.
Three bombs went off in quick succession on London Underground trains in Edgware Road, Aldgate and Russell Square. A fourth exploded on a double-decker bus at Tavistock Square shortly afterwards.