The Ministry of Defence was forced to pay out almost £500,000 after an RAF computer clerk suffered a hand injury, it has been revealed.

A total of £484,000 in compensation and legal costs were awarded following the onset of a repetitive strain-type condition in the hand of the unnamed employee.

Critics pointed out that the sum was 30 times the amount a soldier would get if they received a similar injury in battle.

But the MoD said such a comparison was "misleading", as someone injured on operations would also be entitled to a regular guaranteed income.

The condition, de Quervain's tenosynovitis, occurred in the right hand of the female data clerk, who later developed associated depression. An active soldier who suffered "permanent severely impaired grip in both hands" would be entitled to receive just £16,500, according to the official tariff.