The gay partner of Colchester man John Light, killed in the Soho pub bombing, has welcomed Government plans to review compensation payouts to crime victims.

Gary Partridge said the plans were "brilliant news for the gay community."

Under a review announced yesterday, gay couples could be in line for the same compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board as heterosexual couples.

Under current rules Mr Partridge is not entitled to any compensation for the loss of his partner, while Colchester man Julian Dykes could get £10,000 for the death of his pregnant wife Andrea in the tragedy.

Mr Partridge, 34, said: "This means a lot more to me than any money or compensation. It is such a positive thing to come out of a tragedy.

"It is about time the law was bought up to date to reflect today's society."

Mr Partridge, of Mill Street, had always stressed that it was the principle of the rules that he did not agree with.

Mr Partridge said he was "surprised" when he heard of the plans yesterday morning.

He said: "I thought something would happen eventually but I am very surprised it has happened so quickly.

"I thought it would take pressure from the European Parliament or some sort of case law. But it is fantastic."

Mr Partridge added: "After what we've all been through, if this is the result of the three lives being taken, it makes things a little easier to bear."

He also thanked the people of Colchester for their support following the bombing, in which he was seriously injured.

He said: "Everyone has really helped me get through. I have heard from just about everyone I've ever known, including neighbours I've never spoken to. It's been fantastic and I have not had one bad reaction."

A Home Office spokeswoman said a review was being undertaken but no decisions had been made yet.

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