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“The effect on Ms. Stack has been severe. Her life has been irretrievably altered,” Gray wrote. “On a balance of probabilities, I am satisfied … that it is unlikely that she will ever be the same as she was before these incidents.”

Stack’s lawyer said Gray’s decision was thought to be the first civil case in which the court condemned police for not protecting an informant and found a force liable for the harm that ensued.

“The case is important because it does show that the courts will protect individuals that are given promises by the police in the course of doing their public duties such as providing information,” said Margaret Hoy.

“Central to the justice system is people assisting police by providing information, because without them we would not have information to investigate and prosecute crimes.”

Central to the justice system is people assisting police by providing information, because without them we would not have information to investigate and prosecute crimes

A spokesman for Durham police said a notice of appeal has been filed as a result of the decision.

The incidents that sparked the case took place in 2002.

Stack was told by a neighbour that two brothers who lived across the street had allegedly broken into a home, stolen guns that were in the residence and taken them to school, where they threatened students, Gray’s decision said.

One of those brothers, neither of whom can be named, used to babysit for Stack’s own children.

Worried about the safety of her family, Stack wanted to tell police but was reluctant to have the information traced back to her. A friend told her he knew an officer he could tip off.