Former Prisoner Claims Damages for Football Injury

A former prison inmate has been awarded £5,000 in damages after he broke his leg playing five-a-side football in Porterfield Prison, Inverness.

The injury happened when John Marshall, 44, jumped to head the ball. He landed awkwardly and suffered multiple fractures to his leg. He claimed that thick gym mats, which had been placed in the goal area as protection against the tarmac playing surface, were the cause of his fall.

Mr Marshall argued that the playing surface was unsafe and so the Scottish Prison Service was responsible for the accident. He said that he still suffers from pain and discomfort in his leg – especially around the knee.

The prison PE instructor confirmed that Mr Marshall had jumped to head the ball. However, he claimed that the incident had happened away from the mats, closer to the centre of the pitch.

Inverness Sheriff Court found in favour of Mr Marshall and awarded him £5,000 in compensation.