A CAERPHILLY councillor who said he sustained injuries during a demonstration in London has won damages from the Metropolitan Police.
Ray Davies, councillor for Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen says he was knocked out as a result of policing at a pro-Palestinian demonstration on January 10 2009.
The Met police said they settled with Mr Davies but have not admitted liability.
Mr Davies said on January 10 he joined a national demonstration in London to protest against Israel’s actions in the war on Gaza, that had started at the end of 2008.
During the demo tensions rose between protesters and police outside the Israeli embassy, said Mr Davies, and he said he was “knocked out flat” outside the building.
Mr Davies later made a claim against the Met police. He said he has since won damages of £1500.
He said: “I don’t want the money – that will go to Palestinian charities. All I wanted was justice.”
The Met confirmed that it had settled Mr Davies claim but said it did not admit liability or apologise.
A spokeswoman said: “Barrier lines were erected outside the Israeli embassy to protect it and protesters outside the building were warned numerous times to keep back.
“Despite this, police officers came under a systained three-hour attack from a group of protesters who dismantled the barrier put in place outside the embassy to protect it and threw missiles, including sticks, stones and metal barriers at the police.”
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