Journalist sues Liberty Professional for assault

A Journalist with New Times Corporation, a state-owned daily newspaper, Ian Motey, has filed a writ at a Tema High Court against Liberty Professionals Football Club, whose security personnel assaulted him while performing his official duties at the Tema Sports Stadium.

In the writ filed on his behalf by Mr Alfred Agbesi, a Tema based lawyer of Mawusi Chambers, on June 28, plaintiff is demanding general damages and punitive cost from the club and Mr Francis Bruce Thompson, an agent of the club.

On June 10, Mr Motey was assigned to cover the Star Premier League between the Liberty Club and Sekondi Hassacas and was assaulted at the main gate of the Stadium.

Thompson, who was on duty as a security personnel for Liberty Professionals, hooked Motey by the waist and pushed him against a wall punched and slapped him and he fell down.

Whilst on the ground Thompson continued to manhandle him. He hit Motey on the forehead, which left a deep cut and he had to be rushed to the Tema General Hospital by Mr Sly Tetteh, owner of Liberty Professionals.

A medical report confirmed the assault, which caused "a large Haematoma" on the forehead, which made him suffer physically, mentally and financially.

The claim said in the process plaintiff lost his wallet and a wristwatch while his dresses were destroyed.