A newsagent is angry a legal loophole means she is having to pay for a

broken window herself.

Angele Gayed said the glass in the front of Four Stars News, London Road, Brighton, was smashed two weeks ago.

However, because the police decided not to take court action against the person who broke it, she is not entitled to any recompense.

The incident happened at 3.55am on May 9.

Mrs Gayed, 58, said: "It was broken by someone who was drunk. But because he had no previous convictions the police cautioned him and let him go.

"I have received an invoice from the company that boarded it up for £123 and it will cost £326 to replace the glass.

"If I claim on the insurance, I will have to pay the first £150 and my premiums will go up.

"Six times I have had my window broken in eight years. Everything has come out of my pocket. I would have preferred it if the police did not know who did it. But to know and not do anything is very bad."

Inspector Julie Wakeford said it was likely the man would have been cautioned if he had no previous convictions.

She said: "If there is someone of previous good character and the damage is reasonably low value, we would give them a caution rather than take them to court."

Ms Wakeford said the police had no powers to make compensation orders.