A man has been ordered to pay compensation to three of the eight town centre businesses he caused damage to earlier this month.

But community leaders feel the sentence is "not tough enough" and say the culprit should have to reimburse all of the companies that were vandalised.

James Hawkins, 27, of Sand Lane, Flimby, pleaded guilty to eight charges of criminal damage to property valued under £5,000, when he appeared at Workington Magistrates' Court this week.

The court heard that on December 3, Hawkins had damaged the windows or shutters of eight businesses in Workington town centre.

These were: Sole Diva, Domino's, Angel Nails, Bodycare, Akitts, Iceland, Max Spielman and Home Bargains.

Hawkins was given a community order and must pay £250 compensation to each of the independent businesses - Sole Diva, Angel Nails and Akitts.

The court prioritised smaller companies due to the "limited means" of the defendant.

Herbert Briggs, mayor of Workington, said he did not agree with the sentence.

He said: "If he's damaged more than the three - what's the difference between the three and the others? Just because they're a franchise? There's no difference in my eyes.

"Just because they're a franchise, doesn't make them any different to anyone else.

"Obviously on this occasion the magistrates thought different. Because you're a franchise, you have to pay for it out of your own pocket because you're making more money than the sole traders. It's totally wrong.

"He could go out and do it again. It's good that CCTV works but sometimes the sentences just aren't tough enough. You can do damage to eight properties but only pay compensation for three. It's no consolation for the other five and it's just wrong."

Mike Johnson, leader of Allerdale Council and executive member for economic growth, community development and placemaking, said: "I think it's pretty weak. It doesn't matter whether it's a large or small business. They should be compensated for any damage that has been done. It's disappointing that the magistrates have given the sentence that they've given.

"People need to understand that if they commit the offence, they've got to put it right."

Hawkins must also complete 120 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity days.