Suing The Police

The family of a teenager with Down's syndrome who was charged with assault are suing the police and prosecutors.

The father of Jamie Bauld, 18, said they had been through "pure hell" since his son, who has the mental age of five, was questioned about an alleged racist attack at his college.

Jim Bauld and wife Fiona, from Cumbernauld in North Lanarkshire, are likely to seek several thousand pounds for the stress they said they suffered after claiming the police approach was heavy-handed and inappropriate.

They said that due to his condition, Jamie had no concept of racism and when asked a question simply told people what they wanted to hear. The case was eventually dropped by Strathclyde Police in April after seven months.

The couple said: "Jamie was very distressed by this whole process. It was entirely inappropriate for the police and the Crown Office to behave in the way they did. We hope that by bringing a claim against them this will not happen to any other family in our situation."

The case was brought against Jamie following an incident at Motherwell College on September 4 last year involving an Asian girl.

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Ifti Manzoor from law firm Irwin Mitchell said: "Whilst the police have to make enquiries, this case highlights the need for a common sense approach.

It must have been obvious to the police that the family's son was in no fit state to answer questions and this should been dealt with in a professional and sensitive way - the family seem to have suffered as a result and there may well be a claim against the police to be pursued."

If you or a loved one have been unfairly treated or unlawfully arrested by the police, our police complaints solicitors could help you claim compensation. See our Protecting Your Rights page for more information or inquire online.