Former inmate wins football claim

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/6712655.stm

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A man who claimed he broke a leg while playing five-a-side football in prison has been awarded £5,000 compensation.

John Marshall, 44, of Alness, Ross-shire, sued the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) claiming it was liable for his injuries.

His case was heard during a civil hearing at Inverness Sheriff Court.

Mr Marshall, who had been jailed at Porterfield in Inverness for a breach of a peace, said he jumped to head the ball but landed badly.

He said the game was played on tarmac, but the goal areas were protected with gym mats, about two inches thick.

Mr Marshall said he had landed on the edge of a mat and gone over.

He told the court that the playing surface was "unsafe".