A FORMER Newport man is suing Gwent's chief constable Keith Turner for more than £50,000, claiming damages for a catalogue of allegations including assault and wrongful arrest by his officers.

Solicitors acting for John Barrie Davies, (pictured) aged 47, formerly of Caerau Crescent, Newport, and now of Pontprennau, Cardiff, have issued a claim form in the High Court of Justice, Queen's Bench Division, seeking damages for alleged assault, alleged trespass to the person, allegedly wrongful arrest, alleged unlawful imprisonment, and alleged malicious prosecution arising out of Mr Davies' arrest on February 22, 1997.

The claim form also seeks damages for alleged negligence, alleged trespass to property, alleged trespass to goods, and alleged misfeasance in a public office arising out of an incident on May 15, 1998.

It says Mr Davies is claiming damages of more than £50,000 plus interest. The particulars of the claim allege that on February 22, 1997, Mr Davies was assaulted at his then home in Caerau Crescent after Mr Davies attended a wedding.

The particulars allege that around 15 or 20 officers attended the property after a family friend, who suffers from spasticity, started showing difficult behaviour. Mr Davies' mother called the police for help.

Mr Davies was charged with being drunk and disorderly in a public place. The charge was subsequently dropped.

Mr Davies claims he sustained injuries including a swollen lip, a cut above one knee and bruising on his wrists.

During the second incident, it is alleged that two men went to Mr Davies' house in Caerau Crescent with a number of police officers. Mr Davies was not there. Property, it is claimed, was removed.

Mr Davies claims to have sustained upset, humiliation, and distress. Mr Davies told the Argus: "I look forward to this case going to court and I hope for a public inquiry into these events."

A spokesman for Gwent Police's civil claims section said: "This writ is presently being considered by our solicitors."