Crossbow killer sues taxpayers for £10,000 over ‘hurt feelings’ after prison officer’s jibe as he was restrained in cell

A CROSSBOW murderer is suing taxpayers for £10,000 over hurt feelings after a prison officer called him a “daft c***”. David Ball, 56, wants damages for “humiliation” and “affront to his dignity” during a cell restraint. Crossbow murderer David Bell is suing the taxpayer after a prison officer swore at him Credit: Merseyside Police The Ministry of Justice denies Ball’s claims and believes no protocols were broken Credit: Getty Prison bosses are fighting his claim, saying the comment “wasn’t made with the intention of humiliating him”. Ball was jailed for life in 2019 for killing Lee Atkins, 38, in Bootle, Merseyside. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! A justice source said: “People are furious a crossbow killer has the gall to sue us for hurty words. “It is beyond belief, but we will fight it tooth and nail.” Legal papers say officers went to his cell to move him to another wing over concerns of him bullying other prisoners for their prescription medication. But he refused to go, threatening to burn himself with a kettle and harm himself with a blade if they did not leave. He says his left arm was twice forced up his back and when he claimed they had broken his limb a guard told him “stop whining you daft c***”. Ball says he was beaten, with injuries to his arm and knee, he lost consciousness, could not walk properly and that his mental health later deteriorated. Most read in The Sun The Ministry of Justice denies Ball’s claims at HMP Manchester. It says officers believed he was a danger to himself and others and used reasonably necessary force. The claim is due to be heard at Manchester county court. Comment now