KIRK DOUGLAS - DOUGLAS HIT WITH LAWSUIT

Movie veteran KIRK DOUGLAS is being sued by a 64-year-old financial salesman, who claims he was left with a severe hernia after the SPARTACUS star crashed into him in Beverly Hills.

JOHN ROBERT is seeking compensation of more than $50,000 (GBP27,000) for lost wages and medical expenses for the crash two years ago (02).

The new suit comes just days before Douglas' 88th birthday.

Speaking exclusively to American court show CELEBRITY JUSTICE, Robert says, "He (Douglas) may be a fine man, but he shouldn't be driving a car."

Robert claims he was "clipped" by the actor's car while he was standing by the rear door of his own vehicle. The plaintiff alleges his car was damaged and he suffered a hernia.

Robert adds, "Frankly, in some strange way, I feel glad I'm alive, and I'm not a cripple."

The actor's legal team insist the suit is frivolous and little more than an attempt to take advantage of the star.