A convicted robber who held up a Sussex newsagent is claiming £80,000 for a back injury after receiving £30,000 for hurting himself in jail.

Carl Knell, 27, received £30,000 from the Prison Service three years ago. He damaged his back picking up his belongings and later underwent surgery.

Last night, Home Office sources confirmed Knell was now claiming another £80,000 plus legal costs for further injuries.

Today, Lewes MP Norman Baker criticised the claim. He said: "I spent a great deal of time fighting for former Japanese prisoners of war and all they received was £10,000."

Knell, from Uckfield, was moving from Highdown Prison in Surrey to Camp Hill on the Isle of Wight in 1999 but reportedly told staff he did not want to go.

He jarred his back picking up his belongings but a doctor declared him fit to travel.

On arrival at Camp Hill, Knell claimed he could not leave the van because of his back pain.

After being given painkillers he was moved from the van by prison staff who used approved techniques.

The next day Knell was unable to get out of bed and was transferred to hospital where he was treated for several weeks.

His £80,000 claim comes as victims of crime have criticised the amounts they received.

Nursery nurse Lisa Potts received £49,000 after suffering horrific injuries as she shielded children from a man armed with a sword.

Mr Baker said he did not have much sympathy for Knell's claim: "If he was passed fit to travel and staff took appropriate precautions then I do not think the authorities should be held responsible."

A Home Office spokesman said: "Negotiations between solicitors for both sides are still in progress."

Knell was jailed for five years at Croydon Crown Court in 1997 for robbing GM Newsagents in Wivelsfield Road, Haywards Heath, and attacking a man while he was on bail.