Ref. 28457-01A FOOTBALL fan who says he was assaulted by Swindon's football intelligence officer has received £10,000 in damages from the Wiltshire Constabulary.

Ray Bunce, 43, of Freshbrook, claims he was manhandled by PC Barry Reed prior to the Swindon versus Cardiff match on August 24, 2002.

The Wiltshire force confirmed it has reached an out of court settlement but has denied liability.

Mr Bunce, who was with friends when the incident occurred in Bridge Street, said: "He ran across the road and grabbed me by the throat."

Gorse Hill solicitor John Latham, who is representing Mr Bunce, said: "There were a group of Swindon Town supporters in Bridge Street. They were followed by a number of off-duty police officers. Among those officers was the football intelligence officer.

"Someone shouted a comment and the officer took the view it was Mr Bunce. The officer allegedly said 'if you repeat that I will arrest you'. Mr Bunce passed comment and was subsequently arrested.

"The officer propelled him against the window of Devon Savouries and they both fell to the ground. Mr Bunce's arms and legs were secured. He was minding his own business and was very embarrassed."

Mr Bunce was arrested and detained for nine hours. He was released after being charged with a breach of the peace.

According to his solicitor, Mr Bunce was not formally interviewed nor reviewed after six hours.

A trial took place at Swindon Magistrates Court in January last year and Mr Bunce denied the charge. The case collapsed due to lack of evidence. Mr Bunce then pursued a civil action against Wiltshire Constabulary.

Deputy chief constable Stephen Long said: "The Wiltshire Constab-ulary can confirm that following the arrest of a man at a football match, an out of court settlement has been reached.

"Wiltshire Constabulary has accepted no liability in this matter."

Mr Bunce sued for false imprisonment, misuse of public office, assault, malicious prosecution and breach of his privacy and right to a family life under article eight of the Human Rights Act.

The award was made at Swindon County Court on November 17 and Mr Bunce received the money on Christmas Eve.

Mr Bunce has six previous convictions for football violence between the 1970s and the 1990s, after incidents at domestic and international matches.

He is originally from Woolwich, South London, but has been working as a fitter in Swindon for the past 20 years.

Mr Bunce said: "I am not a Swindon Town fan but occasionally go to matches with friends. I had not had a drop of alcohol that day."

The match which Mr Bunce attended in August 2002 resulted in 24 arrests, 17 of them Cardiff fans.

A police spokewoman refused to confirm or deny that PC Barry Reed was the officer allegedly involved in the incident with Mr Bunce.

Emma-Kate Lidbury