An alleged assault by police

A case is presented of self-inflicted injuries alleged to have been sustained during an assault by police. A summary is given of the factors in this case differentiating between self-inflicted injuries and those due to an assault. The desirability of taking photographs of injuries in cases of alleged assault and the importance of keeping an open mind when assessing injuries are emphasised. The need for greater awareness in the medical and legal professions of the advantages of a forensic medical opinion in the assessment of injuries is mentioned.