Man Awarded Five Figures After Brutal Police Assault

Anthony Giblin, 59, has received a five-figure settlement from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) following a severe assault that occurred after his arrest in July 2021. He sustained a fractured eye socket and faced the risk of losing sight in his right eye due to the incident at Swinton police station.

During his time in custody, Giblin claimed officers punched him, forcibly pushed him onto a cell bed, and left him bleeding for ten minutes. He underwent emergency surgery to relieve pressure behind his eye, which ultimately saved his sight but left him with permanent numbness and reduced vision, as well as psychological trauma.

Giblin's experience was presented as evidence to the independent Baird Inquiry, which examined the treatment of individuals in GMP custody. The report concluded that GMP had engaged in unlawful arrests and strip searches, uncovering a pattern of humiliation and mistreatment. Lawyers argued this wider context significantly aggravated Giblin's case.

GMP settled the civil claim without prejudice. A spokesman for the force confirmed the settlement. Lauren Halliday, Giblin's civil liberties lawyer, emphasized the abuse of power and the lasting physical and psychological impact on her client, noting that such injuries in custody are unacceptable.