assaulted a prisoner in custody.

Mr. Brian Adrian Simmons, 27, of Curving Court, Pembroke, has complained that the officer blacked his eye and injured his ribs.

Mr. Simmons said it was an unprovoked attack and believed the policeman "lost control'' striking him at least 25 times.

He was arrested on Marsh Folly Road near Pembroke Dump for failing to appear in court on housebreaking charges.

Mr. Simmons said: "I was taken to the Police Station and this officer was exchanging words with me. We got to pointing fingers at each other and then he slapped my face.

"I grabbed him round the waist trying to stop him hitting me again. I was restrained by the other officers. Then he just started hitting me.

"He hit me about 25 times. He just went crazy. He lost control. He only stopped when the other policemen stopped him. Then they asked me if I had cooled down! "I was in a bad way. He hurt my eye and my ribs are still very sore. I asked for a doctor but I had to wait 13 hours before an inspector came in.'' Mr. Simmons said that there was no reason for the attack and the only action he could take was to try to defend himself by grabbing the officer to stop him punching.

After leaving court yesterday he went immediately to Hamilton Police Station to make a formal complaint about the attack.

A Police spokesperson said that a complaint had been received and an investigation would now take place.

MR. BRIAN SIMMONS -- claims he was beaten by a Police officer.