RYELANDS race-hate victim Mal Hussain has vowed to take his case to the European Court of Human Rights.

Last week the Law Lords upheld a Court of Appeal ruling which had cleared the city council of allegations of negligence and nuisance in failing to act over race attacks on Ryelands.

But Mr Hussain says he will continue his "fight for truth and justice" in Europe.

In a private hearing the Law Lords dismissed an application for leave to challenge last year's Appeal Court decision. They gave no reasons for their findings.

Mal Hussain and Linda Livingstone brought the claim alleging that they suffered severe harassment including racial harassment from people living in council houses on the estate.

Their complaints included claims that their property had been damaged and that they had been subjected to petrol bombings. They felt that the council had a duty to protect them from council tenants who harassed them.

Although the Lords rejected the claim on legal principle, Mr Hussain says he is determined to continue the fight.

"It doesn't matter how long it takes," said Mr Hussain. "We are naturally disappointed but our lawyers are looking to take the case to the European Court of Human Rights.

"For years now we've fought for justice alone but now we have tremendous support here and abroad. We want people to hear the truth and that can only be done if the case goes before a court."

In a joint statement Cllr Ian Barker and Cllr Roger Sherlock commented: "We welcome the decision by the House of Lords. The racist behaviour that Mr Hussain has had to endure has been appalling and is intolerable in a civilised society.

"However, the council under the Labour administration, tried to assist Mr Hussain and to prevent this abuse.

"We regret that Mr Hussain has chosen to prolong this case by taking it to the European Court of Human Rights."

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