Hair loss sparks convict lawsuit

April 2006

Convicted Calgary heroin dealer Nicholas Chan says his receding hair line is the result of poor treatment while being detained in remand.

And Chan, serving time at the Lethbridge Correctional Centre, says he also suffered from lost sex drive and reduced vision.

"As a result, the plaintiff will require future psychological and medical treatment," says a statement of claim filed by Chan seeking damages of $75,000.

The court document, a copy of which was obtained yesterday by the Sun, says Chan was assaulted by guards, deprived a vegetarian diet and forced to wear "baby dolls."

He was made to don the canvas garment with arm and neck holes instead of regular prison clothing while in disciplinary segregation which "degraded" him.

A statement of defence from the province disputing Chan's allegations has not yet been filed.