Policeman wins £1.54 compensation for an attack that took place 12 years ago

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A former policeman was stunned to receive £1.54 compensation this week - for an attack which happened 12 years ago.

Neil Woods, who is now retired from Kent Police after 30 years' service, described the cheque as "an absolute joke".

Mr Woods, who was attacked while working as a traffic patrol officer in Maidstone in 1996 and also once received a bravery award, said it had been so long ago he had forgotten about the incident.

He said: "I was absolutely flabbergasted. It's an absolute joke.

"Where's this money been sitting for the last 12 years?

"At the time I was serving at Maidstone police station and to the best of my recollection the compensation was ordered in respect of an assault on me. The irony is I don't even remember the attack.

"Obviously the case went to court and I was awarded some money but the only thing that made me realise they'd sent it to the the right person was that I had a vague recollection of the defendant's name.

"The courts service sent me this without a letter of explanation, apology or anything.

"If I've received this 12 years on it makes you wonder whether people who really need the money fare any better."

An HM Courts Service spokesman said Mr Wood's cheque related to a compensation payment ordered by Maidstone Magistrates Court in December 1996.

"Between February 1997 and September 1999, the defendant complied with the Court order and payments received were allocated between six victims, of whom one was Mr Woods.

"The defendant defaulted and the court issued various enforcement warrants. It was not possible to trace the defendant, as at the time, the Court had no tracing facilities available to them.

"However, the courts and Police continued to attempt to trace the defendant and he was brought back to court in February this year. The ordered him to pay £10 per week which he is presently complying with.

"It should be noted that this balance of compensation is part of a much larger amount for outstanding fines."