One cannot imagine the kind of torment Carole Gait has had to endure over the last ten years.

A relaxing holiday in Tenerife turned to tragedy when a cafe roof collapsed, killing her husband Edward and seriously injuring Carole.

But it appears the accident was just the start of the agony for Mrs Gait.

For the inefficiencies of a bureaucratic legal system have perhaps struck the cruelest blow.

The accident happened in 1989 yet it wasn't until last year that she was eventually offered compensation.

And that sum £30,000 for the life of a husband was derisory.

Mrs Gait felt she had no option but to accept the money so that she could attempt to rebuild her life.

Yet the legal team representing the owners of the Spanish cafe where the accident happened twisted the knife for her again by claiming the award was too high.

This absurd game must stop. The lawyers involved in it owe it to the memory of Mr Gait to find a suitable solution.