A teenager who's suing Hamilton police for $1 million alleges officers conspired to injure him on purpose in a holding cell before one punched him in the face.

"The Defendants knew or ought to have known their conduct was unlawful and likely to injure the Plaintiff," reads the statement of claim.

In response, their lawyer, however, said in a court filing that the officers had no choice but to use "reasonable force" to restrain the "violent, aggressive, threatening" prisoner to protect themselves.

The Spectator is not identifying the teen.

Sgt. Helena Pereira, Const. Ryan Gagnon and two other unnamed officers, Chief Glenn De Caire and the police services board are the defendants.

The plaintiff, who was 16 at the time of the July 2012 confrontation at central station on King William Street, alleges the officers, led by Pereira, "devised a plan to challenge and injure him."

Pereira, who was in charge, tried to quiet him down when she noticed he was upset and agitated. She took his blanket away, the claim alleges.

Then, flanked by two officers, the sergeant had a heated exchange with the prisoner. He told her the next time she opened the door, he'd leave and go home.

Pereira opened the door and said, "So you think you're a tough guy. Why don't you try it?" the claim alleges.

When he tried to get by her, Gagnon stepped in, grabbing the teen and throwing an arm lock around his neck, it maintains.

The 6-foot-4, 240-pound constable dragged him back into the cell and shoved him. The 5-foot-9, 130 to 140-pound teen fell against the toilet. But when he rose and "came toward" Gagnon, the officer punched him in the face, damaging his teeth, the document states.

"As a result of his injuries, the Plaintiff will continue to suffer pain, disability, limitation of movement, cognitive dysfunction and emotional difficulties which will permanently impair his employment, enjoyment of life and his ability to earn an income," the claim reads.

Mark Groves, the teen's lawyer, said the lawsuit, which was filed in July 2014 is proceeding. "I am not at liberty to provide much more detail than that," the Ross & McBride associate added in an email.

Hamilton police also declined to comment.

"Out of respect for the judicial process, we will not be commenting on any matters before the Courts," spokesperson Staff Sgt. Maggie Schoen wrote in an email.

In a statement of defence, the officers deny the allegations, arguing their actions were justified given the prisoner's violent outburst.

The teen had been arrested after a caller told police he'd smashed holes in walls and caused other damage at a Hamilton home. Police found him the next day and arrested him.

"The defendants pleading state that the plaintiff rendered it necessary for the defendant police officers to use reasonable force so as to apprehend and restrain him, and so as to fulfil their duties and to protect themselves from further physical assault and injury."

The defence claim also denies the injuries or damages were caused by the confrontation, but if so, they weren't caused by negligence, want of care or breach of duty; also, they could be due to "pre-existing symptoms or complaints."

Moreover, the damages are "excessive and too remote" and the plaintiff has "failed to mitigate" them.

None of the claims by the plaintiff or the defendants have been tested in court.

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The Special Investigations Unit charged Gagnon with assault causing bodily harm for the 2012 punch, but he was acquitted after a trial in 2013.

He also faced discreditable conduct and unnecessary force charges under the Police Services Act, but those charges were dropped last year.

Pereira was recently found guilty of three unrelated PSA charges, two of which related to shoving a prisoner into her cell at central station in March 2013. Her punishment is to be decided Sept. 11.