WEST Mercia Police has released a statement after being criticised for its handling of a case in which substantial damages have been paid out to an innocent woman - who endured a nightmare trial after her ex-boyfriend died on a bonfire.

Earlier this week the Worcester News reported the case in which Kirsti Windsor, 42, and her friend Katie Brown, 35, were awarded more than £100,000 in damages after suing West Mercia police after both were wrongfully arrested and charged with perverting the course of justice following the death of David Langdon, 40, in August 2008.

Horse trainer Kirsti was also charged with murdering her ex-partner - yet a jury unanimously acquitted her in less than three hours after a six week trial - and the pair have now been totally vindicated after the police settled their case.

The police wanted an interim payment of £225,000, but Judge Rawlings awarded the claimant's legal team £275,000 in interim costs. A full review of all costs will be made before any further costs are awarded - but it's believed that legal bills on both sides will be in the region of £450,000.

Solicitor Nick Turner, of Russell and Co in Malvern, said: "There was no evidence or explanation as to how Ms Windsor would have been able to overpower and kill Mr Langdon, a tall, fit and well-built man.

"The whole ordeal could have been shortened and the taxpayer saved in the region of £1 million if the police had only settled the case swiftly."

In a statement, a West Mercia Police spokesman, said: “West Mercia Police confirm that a compromise settlement was reached in this matter, and we are pleased that it has now been resolved.

“We treat every claim against the police seriously and investigate and review all claims thoroughly before making a decision on how to proceed."