My life has never been the same.. £6k compo just isn't enough

Victim claims payout didn’t reflect trauma he still suffers

- Gordon Blackstock

A cabbie who was forced to rob a bank at gunpoint has hit out at a compensation scheme for crime victims.

Alistair Rankin, 52, who was awarded £6100 in criminal injuries, claims the payout didn’t reflect the trauma he still suffers six years after the ordeal.

The dad said he continues to take medication and goes to therapy to cope.

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) originally offered the taxi driver just £1000 before he challenged the decision.

Alistair said: “My life has never been the same. I take a cocktail of 14 pills before I leave the house and sleeping tablets before I go to bed.

“It’s been a nightmare and has put a strain on my family life.

“I’m still in therapy and don’t know when I will be able to put it all behind me. I’m still very angry with what happened.

“The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority offered me £1000 before I appealed it.

“They then came back with an offer of £6100 after five years, which I accepted.