Blind Colin Farmer Seeks Damages From Police After Being Taser

Blind Man Seeks Damages After Mistaken Police Taser

A blind stroke victim is seeking damages after he was shot in the back with a 50,000-volt Taser stun gun by a police officer who mistook his white stick for a samurai sword.

Colin Farmer, 63, has sent a letter to Lancashire Constabulary claiming damages for assault, false imprisonment and a breach of his human rights.

Farmer was hit with 50,000 volts of electricity

The blunder happened on October 12 last year after reports were received of a man walking through the town centre in Chorley, Lancashire, with a martial arts weapon.

Mr Farmer, who has suffered two strokes and walks at a "snail's pace", was on his way to a pub to meet friends for a drink and did not realise anything was wrong until the officer Tasered him.

He collapsed to the ground in shock and believed he might be dying from another stroke.

He is also seeking a declaration of incompatibility from the High Court in relation to the use of the Taser.

An investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission is ongoing.

Lancashire Police were unable to comment.

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