Police shock man into submission before arrest for violence

Published on Sunday 23 May 2010 21:59

A MAN will appear in court today after police used a Taser gun following a disturbance in West Lothian.

Lothian and Borders Police said the man was subdued by the gun after becoming violent in a property in East Main Street, Broxburn, on Saturday afternoon.

He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston where he was assessed before being released and was subsequently charged in connection with the alleged disturbance.

He is now scheduled to appear at Livingston Sheriff Court.

Tasers have been at the centre of a recent political row since Strathclyde Police announced it was to issue 30 beat officers with the weapons in South Lanarkshire as part of a pilot scheme.

A police spokesman said: "The use of Tasers is only undertaken in circumstances where a suspect presents a clear risk to the public, the officers in attendance or even themselves. Before a Taser is discharged a suspect will be given clear warning to cease their actions and surrender."

"As is standard practice, we will review the use of Tasers during this incident to ensure all necessary protocols were followed."

The human rights organisation Amnesty International has said the pilot scheme breaks international law and has written to the Scottish Government requesting an end to the trial.

Scottish ministers have no power to issue guidance on the use of firearms, including Tasers, since the matter is reserved.