Police officer Tasered suspect who is now in a wheelchair

A Metropolitan Police constable is on trial after using a Taser during a chase that prosecutors say left 61-year-old Leonard Sandiford tetraplegic and reliant on a wheelchair; the officer denies unlawful force and says he feared an immediate threat. The case is being heard at Southwark Crown Court.

A Metropolitan Police officer is on trial after using a Taser during a short pursuit in east London. Prosecutors say the deployment left a 61-year-old man, Leonard Sandiford, tetraplegic and reliant on a wheelchair after he fell from a shed. PC Liam Newman has denied unlawful use of force and told the court he believed the suspect posed an immediate danger. The trial at Southwark Crown Court has included body-worn camera footage of the chase. Known details: - PC Liam Newman of Ilford police station is charged with causing grievous bodily harm and is pleading not guilty. - Prosecutors say Mr Sandiford was Tasered twice, fell from a shed from about six feet, and suffered a spinal injury that left him tetraplegic and using a wheelchair. - Mr Newman and a colleague, PC Colin Searle, were responding to reports of banging at a Coral bookmakers when the chase and bodycam footage were recorded. Summary: The court is considering whether the officer's use of a Taser was an unreasonable use of force and whether it directly caused Mr Sandiford's injuries. Undetermined at this time.