A convicted murderer is reportedly seeking £10,000 after his feelings were hurt when a prison officer allegedly called him a ‘daft c***’.
David Ball, 56, says he suffered ‘humiliation’ and an ‘affront to his dignity’ while he was being restrained in his cell.
A justice source told the Sun: ‘People are furious a crossbow killer has the gall to sue us for hurty words.
‘It is beyond belief, but we will fight it tooth and nail.’
Ball was jailed for life with a minimum of 27 years in 2019 for the murder of Lee Atkins in Bootle.
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The pair had become embroiled in a street fight on May 6 that year after Ball accused the 38-year-old of nearly killing him in a traffic collision.
They were then separated by Ball’s friend, Kevin Riley, before Ball went to Mr Riley’s loft and fetched a crossbow.
He then fatally shot Mr Atkins. Detective Chief Inspector Gayle Rooney said following sentencing that Ball ‘chose to escalate a disagreement… to a sickening level of violence with tragic consequences’.
Official documents say officers went to Ball’s cell to move him to another wing at HMP Manchester after concerns emerged that he was bullying other inmates for taking prescription medication.
However he refused to go and threatened to harm himself if they did not leave him.
He claimed his left arm was forced up his back twice, and he alleged that when he accused officers of breaking the limb, a guard told him: ‘Stop whining you daft c***.’
Ball also claimed that he was beaten and suffered injuries to his arm and knee that left him unable to walk properly.
He alleged that he lost consciousness and that the incident had caused his mental health to deteriorate.
The claim is due to be heard at Manchester County Court.
The Ministry of Justice told Metro: ‘We cannot comment on live legal proceedings.’