A remand prisoner was "pulverised" and knocked unconscious when he was attacked by between 10 and 20 inmates at Mountjoy Prison six years ago, the High Court was told yesterday.
Mr Robert Young (37), of Kingsbury Gardens, Coleraine, Co Derry, is suing the Minister for Justice, Ireland and the Attorney General for damages arising out of the incident on July 16th, 1994. The defendants deny the claims.
Mr Richard Keane SC, for Mr Young, said that after his client was transferred into one wing of the prison from another section, he went into an exercise yard. He was attacked by between 10 and 20 inmates, two of whom drew iron bars from under their jackets, counsel said.
Mr Young was pulverised and knocked to the ground, he added. He was struck on many parts of his body and knocked unconscious. After being helped up, he was taken to hospital.
The hearing, before Mr Justice Johnson, resumes on Wednesday.