Mon, Mar 30, 2009
Alleges Handcuffs Were Too Tight When Arrested, Causing
Injury
A British activist has filed suit in civil court against a US
airman who arrested her when she was found trespassing on an
English airbase.
Lindis Percy, 67, a co-coordinator for the group Campaign for
the Accountability of American Bases, was handcuffed and detained
by USAF Senior Airman (now Staff Sergeant) Frank McDonald after she
jumped a fence in February 2006 at RAF Croughton. Percy alleges
McDonald caused superficial cuts, swelling and pain to wrists from
handcuffs being too tight and suffered other injuries in the
process.
A criminal case stemming from the incident filed against
McDonald was dismissed in April 2008 after US officials intervened
by filing a certificate of military duty with the court, which
prevented his prosecution under the UK Visiting Forces Act of
1952.
"This is a claim for monetary damages of £1,000, but more
importantly it is bringing this man to account," Percy said. "It
was a disgrace what went on." Stars and Stripes reports that Percy
remains hopeful that the civil suit will stand, but acknowledged
three possible outcomes from the case: The claim will be paid; it
will be disputed and sent to the courts; or the U.S. government
will intervene again.
Percy also filed a misconduct suit against two British Ministry
of Defense police officers over the incident, alleging they were
remiss in not intervening. However, prosecutors dropped the charges
after hearing the officers' testimonies.
Although refusing to be interviewed about the case, Third Air
Force officials released a statement. "This matter is now the
subject of pending civil litigation and as such it would be
inappropriate for us to comment on the case," the statement read.
"There are provisions in Air Force instructions that allow for
airmen in these circumstances to request support from the USAF.
Staff Sgt. McDonald and base officials at RAF Croughton are aware
of those procedures."
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