A BLACKBURN businessman injured when arrested is taking legal action against the police.

Speaking after criminal proceedings against him had been discharged at Blackburn magistrates, Garth Woods said he had endured 13 months of misery since he was first arrested. "It has been an extremely difficult time for me and my family," said Mr Woods, 39, who lives in Meins Road, Blackburn, with his daughter, aged 15.

"Criminal charges and court appearances have been reported in the Press and I think a lot of people take the view that there is no smoke without fire.

"I feel it is important that everyone now knows that all the criminal proceedings against me have finished and I remain a man without criminal convictions. It has been a nightmare for me and my family, but I am pleased that at the end of the day justice has prevailed."

Father-of-four Mr Woods is estranged from his wife, Christine. It was Mrs Woods' complaint that led to police action. Mr Woods sustained extensive injuries during his arrest at his home in October 2001, following which he was charged with affray and two charges of police assault.

His injuries included a head wound which required 11 stitches, cuts to his forehead and bruising to right ear and cheek, as well as bruising to his thighs, arm and body. Mr Wood was treated at Blackburn Infirmary.

The affray charge was dropped during proceedings and, last week, a judge at Preston Crown Court directed the jury to return not guilty verdicts on the police assault charges.

The judge accepted Mr Woods sustained his injuries during his arrest after hearing representations about the legality of the arrest and hearing evidence from the arresting officers and a doctor.

A charge of assaulting Christine Woods, causing her actual bodily harm, was later discharged by Blackburn magistrates because the prosecution were not in a position to proceed. Mr Woods had pleaded not guilty to all charges.

His solicitor, Paul Schofield, of Farleys, said: "A formal complaint was made some time ago about the police behaviour in October last year and legal proceedings against the police will follow."

"There were three officers involved in my client's arrest and I believe the injuries he suffered go far beyond what could be expected even if he resisted violently and that is something he has always denied."

Mr Woods' business, Apollo Precision Engineering, Ordnance Street, Blackburn, went into receivership during the year but he said he now hopes to bounce back with a new company, Manforge Ltd.

"I made 23 court appearances and the business suffered as a result," said Mr Woods. "Now that this is all behind me I am looking forward to Christmas with my family and then throwing myself into the new business."

A police spokesman said: "We can confirm that we have received a complaint from Mr Woods and now the matter is no longer subjudice his complaints can be fully investigated."