In an unusual tale of pride and prejudice, the Ottawa Police find themselves on the receiving end of hefty legal claims amounting to $ 62 000 for damages arising from what is being called a false arrest.

On Canada Day in July 2014 the T-shirt worn by former Hell’s Angel, Michael Clairoux, allegedly caught the attention of local police at the ByWard Market. Following a heated exchange with police officers, Clairoux who felt stressed by the incident, and feared a panic attack, produced written proof from Health Canada that he was allowed to use marijuana for treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The officers were evidently unconvinced and arrested Clairoux. They also confiscated his medical licence and the 4 grams of marijuana he had in his possession.

The 42-year-old man is now seeking restitution from the police for injuries he says he sustained during a fall, from a stress-induced panic-attack, while in custody. He further believes that his PTSD has worsened as a result of the arrest. He has also objected not only to the injustice of the arrest, but also to the fact that his marijuana was not returned with his medical licence. The plaintiff is seeking amends for $ 2000 in legal expenses and a further $ 60 000 in general punitive damages.

Clairoux is no stranger to the courts, with his most recent appearance being last week in a bid to relax harsh bail conditions imposed on him for an unrelated arrest in February 2015 - this time for marijuana trafficking. Michael’s defense lawyer, Diane Condo, celebrated the relaxation of her client’s bail conditions, which now make allowance for visits to the gym, 5 days a week, under surety supervision.

One would be hard-pressed to find a place in the world where being arrested is not stressful – possibly even as stressful as being a Hell’s Angel. Serving in the police force is likely equally, if not more, stressful than either of the aforementioned. Hopefully Clairoux will not be too adversely affected by the unavoidable stress of the multiple court appearances which lie ahead of him.