Police sued for ‘assault’

Man claims he was pulled off bike and pepper sprayed

alexandria.utting@news.com.au

In a statement of claim lodged in the Southport District Court on April 19, Mr Beard alleges he was “unlawfully assaulted” by Constable Nathan Irwin and several other officers after being arrested more than two years ago.

Mr Irwin is not being personally sued.

The allegations include being forced into a padded cell, 2018 COMMONWEALTH GAMES HOST CITY wrestled to the ground and being punched in the face at the Southport Watchhouse.

“One of the police officers then struck the plaintiff in the face with either his closed fist or his knee while the plaintiff’s head was resting on the floor, positioned sideways, causing the plaintiff to suffer injury,” the claim states. “The same police officer then commenced using his fingers to apply prolonged force to the top of the plaintiff’s eye sockets, which cased the plaintiff to suffer significant pain.”

The claim states Mr Beard suffered soft tissue injuries to his cheek, eye sockets, back and knees as a result of the alleged assault.

Mr Beard $197,117.25 in is seeking damages for economic loss caused due to his injuries.

The 40-year-old also claims he has residual symptoms related to anxiety and depression, difficulty with concentration and a “fear and distrust of police” following the alleged assault.

He also alleges he suffered exacerbation of post traumatic stores disorder, loss of the amenities of life and economic loss after being unable to continue work in an earthmoving business.

Of the $197,117.25, Mr Beard is seeking $150,000 for future economic loss and $2,761.25 for pharmaceutical and travel expenses.

The Queensland Police Service declined to comment while the matter was before the court and The State of Queensland have not yet filed a defence.