WINNIPEG -- Call him Shoeless Joe, with a jail-house twist.

Former Headingley Correctional Centre inmate Joseph Mason says he broke his leg playing volleyball because jail officials wouldn't give him a new pair of shoes.

Mason has filed a lawsuit against the province, alleging jail officials issued him "worn and unsafe" shoes and rejected his pleas for new ones.

According to a statement of claim filed earlier this month, Mason was playing volleyball in the jailhouse gym on Oct. 11, 2007, when he slipped on the wood floor and broke his leg.

Prisoners at the jail are not allowed to wear their own shoes and are provided jail-issue footwear.

Prior to the accident, Mason "repeatedly requested new shoes ... Each time ... his request was denied," says the statement of claim.

Mason "was told by a representative or employee of HCC that the shoes he had 'looked good' or were otherwise satisfactory."

Mason alleges the jail failed to take "reasonable or adequate measures" to ensure his safety and allowed the gym floor to "become or remain slippery and in an unsafe and dangerous condition."

Mason's lawyer David Soper declined comment on the lawsuit.

Mason is suing for general and special damages, plus costs.

The allegations have not been proven in court.

dean.pritchard@sunmedia.ca