A “COLD-BLOODED” killer who sparked outrage when he attacked three North-East prison officers with a broken bottle plans to sue the Prison Service for an alleged breach of his human rights.

Murderer Kevan Thakrar , who is serving three life sentences for killing three drugs dealers, has complained about “excessive searches” by prison guards and is taking action under the European Convention on Human Rights.

The 24-year-old also claims his rights are being breached in relation to privileged correspondence with lawyers, his private use of telephones and prison visits with his legal team.

It is understood Thakrar will claim that under the European Convention on Human Rights, his rights to a private and family life are both being breached.

If he wins, he will be able to sue the authorities for damages.

Thakrar sparked controversy at Newcastle Crown Court last November when he was cleared of two counts of attempted murder and three of wounding with intent after a savage attack on prison officers in Frankland Prison, Durham.

He admitted lashing out with a broken bottle and injuring three officers at the high security prison, but the jury accepted his claim that he acted in self-defence.

Thakrar said he carried out a pre-emptive attack after suffering years of alleged racist bullying.

The killer, who claimed he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder at the time, later said he was sorry for the attack.

The case prompted an outcry by the Prison Officers Association.

Amid fears of copycat attacks, there were calls for more protection for guards dealing with dangerous prisoners.

One of his victims, Claire Lewis, had to undergo surgery to remove glass that just missed her spinal cord in the attack on March 13, 2010.

She rejected his apology saying the incident would have a long-term impact on her.

Thakrar, from Stevenage, Hertfordshire, who was convicted in 2007, is now in prison in Buckinghamshire.

The Civil Courts of Justice, in Manchester, heard yesterday that Thakrar is claiming prison policies are unlawful and infringe his rights involving his legal letters, use of phones and visits. His lawyer said he had also complained about excessive searches by officers.

A full hearing will start on October 11.

Thakrar was jailed along with his brother, Miran, five years ago for the ganglandstyle execution of the drug dealers.

Keith Cowell, 52, his son Matthew, 17, and Tony Dulieu, 33, were killed at the Cowells’ house in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire.

The Thakrars were also found guilty of the attempted murders of Christine Jennings, 54, and Matthew Cowell’s girlfriend, Clare Evans, 23.

The men had met at the house for a cocaine deal, but Miran Thakrar was angry he had been sold poor quality cocaine previously by the Cowells.

Miran Thakrar shot the family dog, then lined up Keith and Matthew Cowell and Mr Dulieu, and shot them dead as Kevan Thakrar looked on.

The brothers also shot and stabbed Ms Jennings and attacked Ms Evans with a knife as she tried to shield her three-year-old daughter.

Supporters of Thakrar say he was not in the house at the time.