The damage done

15.04.22: 'YOU SHOULD never have let me live.'

These extraordinary words rang out across a hushed courtroom today at the opening of a trial that is holding America mesmerised.

David Peters is suing his parents ­ Charles and Julie ­ for not having a genetic test at the time of his conception 18 years ago that would have revealed that he had inherited a rare disorder known as adrenoleukodystrophy.

'My client has irreparable damage to his adrenal glands and his nervous system,' said David's lawyer, Reuben Gold. 'His brain functions will continue to deteriorate. This lifelong suffering was inflicted on him by his parents' neglect.'

If David wins, his parents' insurers face a multi-million euro-dollar bill for damages. JB