Pay-out for arrest error victim

David Powell now requires 24-hour care

A man arrested for being drunk when he was actually suffering from a blood clot on the brain is to be given £310,000 in compensation by West Yorkshire police.

David Powell, 44, will receive the money in an out-of-court settlement from the force.

Mr Powell's lawyers say his arrest delayed treatment for the blood clot on his brain.

He now lives in the Leonard Cheshire home at Barnetby-le-Wold near Brigg in North Lincolnshire where he needs 24-hour care.

The least they could have done for my son was to call a police surgeon Barbara Powell

Mr Powell was arrested in July 1998 outside his home in Headingley, Leeds, after a neighbour reported that a man had fallen down some steps.

When police arrived, they wrongly assumed Mr Powell was drunk and arrested him despite a head wound.

When he was taken to Weetwood police station in Leeds, he was kept in custody for 90 minutes before he collapsed again and almost died.

Mr Powell was then taken to hospital where the blood clot was discovered.

Mr Powell was fit and healthy five years ago

Brain injuries

His solicitors, Irwin Mitchell, say the delay in getting treatment for Mr Powell has left him with serious brain injuries.

His mother, Barbara Powell said she was "appalled" at the behaviour of West Yorkshire Police.

"The least they could have done for my son was to call a police surgeon while he was in custody.

"This could have prevented the serious injuries he now has."

Although they have agreed to pay compensation, West Yorkshire Police have not admitted liability.

No disciplinary action has been taken against any member of the force.