Plastic bullet victim plans to sue RUC over injuries

A MAN WHO lost an eye after he was struck in the face by a plastic bullet is to sue the RUC.
Martin Toner, 25, was shot during disturbances in Keady, Co Armagh, on Saturday when a bus carrying members of an Orange band entered the mainly nationalist St Patrick's Street area. RUC Chief Constable Sir Hugh Annesley announced yesterday that he had asked the Independent Commission for Police Complaints to supervise an inquiry in the circumstances surrounding the maiming of Mr Toner. Mr Toner was taken to Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital for treatment and was released yesterday. A solicitor for the Toner family confirmed the injured man intends to take legal action against the RUC. A spokesman for Madden and Finucane Solicitors, said: "A writ will be issued within the next few days seeking damages, personal injuries, loss and damage sustained by reason of the assault, battery and trespass of the police". "In addition, a full and detailed complaint will be lodged with the chief constable in relation to the circumstances surrounding the incident in which Mr Toner sustained this severe injury." Citybus has denied RUC claims that the driver of the bus carrying the bandsmen ignored police signals not to enter St Patrick's Street. Senior independent commission for police complaints member David Shillington said: "I will ensure the investigation is thorough and impartial. The inquiry would benefit greatly if anyone who witnessed the events would come forward with evidence."