YEARS of ``hell'' ended last night for hairdresser Kenneth Hsu when a court awarded him record damages against the police.
The 32-year-old was awarded #220,000 damages when a jury at Central London County Court decided he was assaulted by police and wrongly arrested.
Mr Hsu said he was attacked by police when he refused to let them into his London home without a warrant in July 1992.
He claimed he was punched, kicked, and subjected to racial taunts in a police van and at Streatham police station, before being turned on to the street wearing only a vest, jeans and a pair of flip-flops.
Speaking at his lawyer's office in central London, he said: ``The past three and a half years have been like hell for me. Finally I've got justice. I'm really happy with what the jury have done.''
The Metropolitan Police immediately lodged an appeal against the size of the pay-out but a spokeswoman said they would not contest the verdict.
No disciplinary action would be taken against any of the officers involved in the case.
Mr Hsu's ordeal began in July 1992 when police called at his home over a dispute involving a tenant. He was arrested after refusing to allow the officers in without a warrant.
His lawyer, Mr Sidiq Khan, said: ``My client was grabbed by the arms, which were twisted up his back and then handcuffed behind him. He was also held in a neck lock, which is now illegal and not taught to police officers.
``They punched and kicked him in the van and he was kicked in the kidneys. Another policeman used his back as a footstool and the driver turned round and insulted him.''
When Mr Hsu got home, the front door was wide open and his stereo and other property had been stolen.
Later, doctors at King's College Hospital, London, found he had extensive bruising to his back and kidneys. He was diagnosed as suffering post-traumatic stress disorder. He was also passing blood.
He decided to contact the Police Complaints Commission. Despite a police surgeon confirming the injuries, the complaint was rejected and he decided to sue.
After a four-day hearing, the jury decided in Mr Hsu's favour and awarded #20,000 compensatory damages and #200,000 exemplary damages.
Mr Hsu said: ``I hope this money will send a very strong message to the police.''
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