A woman branded a criminal by her bosses after a £25,000 robbery at the bingo hall where she worked was yesterday awarded more than £13,000 compensation.

Mother-of-four Caroline Clark was sacked from her job as a cashier for gross misconduct just over a week after the robbery took place.

An industrial tribunal heard Miss Clark, 28, was given no reasons for her dismissal despite writing repeatedly to Deluxe Clubs, in Pevensey Road, Eastbourne, where she had worked since March 1998. Police found no evidence against her.

She said she had been unable to find a job since.

After the hearing in Brighton, Miss Clark, formerly of Eastbourne, who now lives in South Kirby, West Yorkshire said: "I am pleased and I am very glad it's over. It has been very difficult.

"I am hoping I can get a new job now I have moved to a new area."

The tribunal heard how the company believed Miss Clark was involved in the robbery or had passed information to someone because she had access to all the keys, the two safes and the combination codes.

The crime took place overnight after staff had closed up for the evening.

The company admitted Miss Clark had been unfairly dismissed because bosses had not followed proper disciplinary procedure. But they failed to prove at the hearing that she had contributed to her own dismissal because she was involved in the robbery.

Miss Clark was awarded £13,422 compensation and £2,937 costs.

Deluxe Clubs declined to comment.