Payout for inmate who tripped in the dark

A PRISONER who took legal action after he tripped over a slipper when his cell light went out because of an electrical failure has won the latest round of a damages fight.

Kevin Manley was awarded £3,750 after a judge decided the operators of privately owned Parc prison near Bridgend had failed to restore power in a reasonable time.

Now a High Court judge has dismissed an appeal by prison owner G4S.

Mr Justice Lewis heard how Manley had undergone a hip replacement and had “mobility problems”.

He had needed the lavatory during the power cut and tripped while feeling his way in the dark, the judge was told.

He claimed that G4S had breached a duty to ensure that he was “reasonably safe” in his cell. G4S had disputed the claim.

Peter Bone, a Conservative MP, said: “Most people will think this is a crazy decision.”