The family of murdered Mill Hill businessman Giles Van Colle, who was gunned down after police failed to provide protection, have had their £50,000 compensation halved by the Court of Appeal.

Mr Van Colle, 25, was shot dead outside his clinic, GVC Optometrists, in Mill Hill Broadway, by former employee Daniel Brougham, in November 2000, just days before Brougham stood trial for theft.

At London's Appeal Court on Tuesday, the Master of the Rolls, Sir Anthony Clarke, dismissed an appeal by Hertfordshire police against its liability.

But the judge slashed the family's damages payout from £50,000 to £25,000.

He upheld the High Court judge's ruling that Mr Van Colle's death had been caused by a violation of his right to life' under the Human Rights Convention.

In March last year, the High Court ruled that, had Mr Van Colle been given protection after Brougham earlier threatened his life, there would have been a prospect of avoiding his death.

Mr Van Colle was due to stand as a witness in the court case against Brougham.

In March 2002, Brougham was convicted of Mr Van Colle's murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Mr Van Colle's father, Irwin Van Colle, who lives in Brent, said after the Appeal Court hearing that he was delighted' the legal precedent had been strengthened by a second favourable judgement.

He added: "Our case was never for profit, but for principle.

"Our case has clarified the law and therefore Giles' death was not in vain, even though his family and friends will suffer his loss for the rest of our lives."

Mr Van Colle's mother, Corinne, said she and her family had suffered more grief and despair' than could possibly be imagined.

She said: "The never-ending pain continues as we spend the rest of our lives without our precious son, knowing this heinous crime could and should have been prevented."

A Hertfordshire police spokesman said it had been in the public interest' to appeal the case.

The spokesman added: "We are now carefully considering the decision of the Court of Appeal and any further implications for the police service and Hertfordshire Constabulary."

timesnews@london.newsquest.co.uk