Blind Chorley man tasered by police to sue for damages (From Chorley Citizen)

Blind Chorley man tasered by police to sue for damages

8:00am Thursday 17th January 2013 in News

A blind man tasered by a Lancashire police officer who mistook his white stick for a samurai sword has issued a claim for damages against the county’s police force.

Colin Farmer has sent a letter of claim to Lancashire Constabulary seeking damages for an incident on October 12, in which he was tasered by a stun gun which delivers 50,000 volts.

The weapon was discharged by an officer in Peter Street, Chorley as Mr Farmer made his way to a town centre pub to meet friends.

In addition Mr Farmer, via McMillan Williams solicitors, will be seeking a declaration of incompatibility from the High Court in relation to the use of the Taser on him.

Stroke victim Mr Farmer, 61, claimed he collapsed to the ground in shock after he was hit in the back with the gun while walking down the street.

Police had been responding to reports of a man walking through the town armed with a deadly martial arts sword and were searching the town centre for a suspect.

A statement from his solicitor, Sophie Khan, said: “Mr Farmer is claiming damages for assault, false imprisonment, breach 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.”

The police force has already issued an apology saying they “deeply regret what has happened. We have clearly put this man through a traumatic experience and we are extremely sorry”.

The police officer involved has had their ability to carry a Taser revoked since the incident.

No further details have been released about the police officer involved or whether they have been the subject of internal disciplinary proceedings or retraining.