A MAN who claimed he needed knee surgery after being assaulted by police officers has launched a High Court battle for up to £100,000 in damages.
Donald Robb, 50, of Rectory Road, Walthamstow, was arrested on July 9, 2004 as he walked along West Avenue, Walthamstow, his claim states.
He was then detained by police for six hours and charged with threatening and abusive behaviour and assaulting two officers but was later cleared during a four-day trial.
Mr Robb claims four officers fabricated accounts of the events leading up to his arrest.
He said police claimed he had waved his arms with clenched fists and threatened to hurt officers, before punching two of them.
Mr Robb claims he was forced on to the pavement, where one officer stamped on his back twice.
He was then allegedly pinned to the ground while another police officer stamped on his left leg, he was then thrown into the back of a van and taken to Chingford police station.
Mr Robb was later diagnosed with a tear in his knee tissue and underwent an operation at Whipps Cross Hospital, in Leytonstone, in October 2005.
He claims that some officers were "improperly motivated" by his race and skin colour, which has heightened his humiliation and dismay.
Immediately after the incident, he complained about the assault and his injuries, but an officer failed to record his complaint, and allowed him to suffer further assaults in custody, according to the claim.
Mr Robb's solicitors have lodged the compensation claim with the High Court.
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