Despite winning compensation from a council over glaring security lights, a man is still thousands of pounds out of pocket.

David Bonwick, 61, of Stonery Road in Mile Oak, complained to Brighton and Hove Council about the lights in nearby Downland Court.

He received £250 in compensation after a case at Brighton County Court and the council was ordered to change the lights.

Mr Bonwick, who represented himself during the two-day hearing, argued that the lights were intrusive and resembled the Blackpool illuminations.

In reaching his verdict, the judge even took a personal look at the lights, which Mr Bonwick said made it hard for him to watch television.

Mr Bonwick said after the case: "This has cost me several thousand pounds over two years and I have been to court four times.

"It has also cost council taxpayers several thousand pounds for a case which could have been settled beforehand.

"They should have done something about the lights earlier."

Mr Bonwick, who has lived in Stonery Road for 38 years, said he had taken the action for quality of life rather than for the compensation.

A council spokesman said: "The security lights in question were of a standard design and were installed as a crime prevention measure with the backing of the local tenants' association.

"However, we accept the judge's ruling and will be replacing the offending lights in a way that will prevent further nuisance."