A man who claimed he was assaulted in police custody was awarded £4,000 agreed damages in the High Court in Belfast yesterday. Mr Patrick Mulvenna (23), of New Barnsley Crescent, Belfast, sued the RUC Chief Constable arising from his detention at Castlereagh holding centre in July, 1992. He claimed that he was headbutted and slapped by police officers, that a lighted cigarette was held close to his face in a threatening manner and that pen was pushed into his throat, chest and legs.
A jury was sworn to hear the case, but Mr T. Ferris QC told Mr Justice Shiel that the action had been settled for £4,000 plus costs.