Tasered Blind Man Claims Damages From Police

A blind man who was hit with a 50,000-volt Taser stun gun after a police officer mistook his white stick for a samurai sword is seeking compensation.

Colin Farmer, who has suffered two strokes and walks at a "snail's pace", was on his way to a pub in Chorley, Lancashire, in October last year when he was tasered in the back.

Police had been responding to reports of a man walking through the town centre with a martial arts weapon.

Mr Farmer collapsed to the ground when he was hit and said he was handcuffed "so tightly" he was in "great pain".

The 63-year-old has now sent a letter to Lancashire Constabulary claiming damages for assault, false imprisonment and a breach of his human rights.

He is also seeking a declaration from the High Court that the use of the Taser was a breach of Britain's obligations under the Human Rights Act.

Lancashire Constabulary were unable to comment on Mr Farmer's compensation claim.

However, speaking in October, Chief Superintendent Stuart Williams said: "Lancashire Constabulary deeply regrets what has happened.

"We have clearly put this man through a traumatic experience and we are extremely sorry."

An investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission is ongoing.