A mother who was told she would have to pay more than £100 to get her stolen scooter back has been let off the charges by police.

Suzanne Allen's moped was stolen and wrecked by joyriding youths.

Police found the trashed scooter and she was told she would have to pay £105 to get the uninsured vehicle out of the recovery compound.

But, after hearing that the bike was Suzanne's only means of transport, Swindon police made an exception to the rules so she could get her bike back.

Suzanne said she was extremely pleased with the outcome.

"I would like to thank Kevin Maidment for making an executive decision and agreeing to drop the charges," she said.

"I am just relieved and happy to have my bike back.

"The Advertiser has been great as well, and all the supportive comments I received through its website have just been brilliant.

"I wish this issue had been dealt with sooner and then maybe it wouldn't have spiralled out of control."

Suzanne said she could not afford the £105 recovery charge, plus the £12 a day for every day the bike stayed in the police compound or the alternative £50 charge to have the second-hand Honda scrapped.

The cost of recovering stolen vehicles is normally paid by the owner's insurance company.

But, because Suzanne's scooter was not insured, she was told she would have to pay the whole amount herself.

Suzanne said her insurance ran out last year and she decided to delay renewing it until the new year but then the bike was was stolen from her garden.

Acting Chief Supt Kevin Maidment, of Swindon Police, said: "In view of Suzanne's exceptional circumstances we have decided to have all the charges dropped so she can get her moped back and it will cost her nothing.

"Suzanne has suffered because she was the victim of the crime.

"Under normal circumstances the insurance company would cover the cost of recovering the vehicle. We thought it would be unfair for her to have to pay any more.

"As a result of her case we will be having a policy review to see whether we need to change the way these matters are dealt with in future."

Suzanne has now appealed for help from anyone who can provide the £800 worth of repairs her moped needs. If you can help call her on 07513 225662.