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Third Taser probe
A SECOND investigation is being launched into the use of a taser at a Lancashire Police custody suite.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission is to independently investigate a further complaint about the discharge of the stun gun on
a detainee in Burnley.
This second IPCC probe comes after the commission launched a similar investigation into taser use on a different detainee in a cell at the
same custody suite in the town.
And it follows an IPCC investigation into another incident - when blind stroke victim Colin Farmer was tasered in the back in Chorley
last October - which remains ongoing.
The new IPCC investigation will look at the use of a taser on a 26-year-old man at Burnley police station in July 2012.
A complaint from the man’s solicitor was referred to the IPCC by Lancashire Constabulary last September and it was decided it should be investigated by force’s Professional Standards Department.
The IPCC asked to look at the complaint again following the launch last month of an independent investigation into taser user on a
20-year-old in September 2012.
IPCC Commissioner for Lancashire, James Dipple-Johnstone, said: “As it appears there are a number of similarities between the two uses of
taser at the same police custody suite I want to ensure that all guidelines and regulations covering the use of taser were adhered to
in both instances.”
Grandfather Mr Farmer has launched a damages claim.
The innocent 63-year-old was tasered with a 50,000 volt stun gun.
Police mistook the white stick he was carrying for a samurai sword.
They said they had received reports that a man carrying a samurai sword was roaming the area.
The incident happened on Peter Street, Chorley town centre, on October 12, last year, as Mr Farmer walked to a pub for a drink with friends.
Former architects practice boss Mr Farmer is claiming damages from Lancashire Constabulary for assault, false imprisonment, breach by the police of Article 3 under the European Convention of Human Rights (no one shall be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment) and personal injury for the physical and psychological injuries he has suffered as a result of the incident.
In addition, Mr Farmer will be seeking a Declaration of Incompatibility from the High Court in relation to the use of the
taser on him.
Mr Farmer, of Royle Road, Chorley, who is registered blind/partially sighted and has suffered two strokes, said: “There has been worldwide outrage at what happened and the police are a laughing stock through the whole world.
“Laws need to be changed to stop this happening.”
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Weather for Chorley
Saturday 18 May 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 6 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 9 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
