A MAN who claimed that he was falsely imprisoned and assaulted yesterday won his case against Cleveland Police, and was awarded £15,000 in compensation.

The award came after a court case in which Craig Vincent claimed that he was trying to help an unconscious reveller when he was handcuffed and sprayed with CS spray after asking police to call an ambulance.

Mr Vincent, 20, had told Teesside Crown Court how he and three friends were about to enter the Madison nightclub, in Middlesbrough, when a man fell down the stairs, smashing his face.

He said that when he approached a nearby police van to ask an officer to call an ambulance, PC Philip Sylvester grabbed him and ripped his shirt.

The court was told that the officer sprayed CS spray at Mr Vincent's head from six inches away, causing a burning sensation and difficulty breathing.

Mr Vincent was taken into custody and released in the early hours of the morning.

The council worker, of Honiton Road, Middlesbrough, sued Cleveland Police for false imprisonment and assault.

His solicitor, Scott Taylor, of Watson Woodhouse in Middlesbrough, said last night that his client's costs would also be paid. Mr Taylor added: "He is delighted at the decision. Effectively they gassed a Good Samaritan."

Cleveland Police had claimed in court that Mr Vincent had been drunk, abusive and aggressive to the officer. Mr Taylor said last night that this has been disproved in court.

Last night, apart from confirming the award, the force offered no further comment