A convicted murderer is reportedly seeking £10,000 in compensation after he claims his feelings were hurt when a prison officer allegedly called him a "daft c***" during an incident in custody. David Ball, 56, who is serving a life sentence for murder, says he felt "humiliated" and that his "dignity was affronted" during a restraint incident in his cell. The claim has sparked controversy, with a justice source telling the Sun that many people are outraged that a "crossbow killer" would sue for "hurty words." The source added that while the situation is "beyond belief," authorities will "fight it tooth and nail." Ball was jailed for life in 2019 for the murder of Lee Atkins, a 38-year-old man from Bootle. The incident occurred during a street fight on May 6, 2019, after Ball accused Atkins of nearly killing him in a traffic collision. Ball's friend, Kevin Riley, tried to separate the men, but Ball later went to Riley's loft, retrieved a crossbow, and fatally shot Atkins. Detective Chief Inspector Gayle Rooney described Ball's actions as an escalation of a disagreement to a "sickening level of violence with tragic consequences." According to official documents, prison officers had gone to Ball's cell at HMP Manchester to move him to a different wing due to concerns he was bullying other inmates over prescription medication. Ball refused to move and threatened self-harm. He claimed that during the restraint process, his left arm was forced up his back twice, and when he accused the officers of breaking his arm, a guard allegedly told him, "Stop whining, you daft c***." Ball also alleged that he was beaten, suffered injuries to his arm and knee, and was left unable to walk properly. He claimed to have lost consciousness and that the incident worsened his mental health. Ball’s claim for £10,000 is set to be heard at Manchester County Court. The Ministry of Justice has declined to comment on the case, stating it cannot provide information on ongoing legal proceedings. The case has raised questions about the treatment of inmates in custody and the potential for legal action over verbal abuse in prisons.