Stretford Taser arrest: Police acted 'in line with guidelines'

The police watchdog said a full report with its findings would be released

Police officers who repeatedly Tasered a suspected drink-driver in front of his young son acted within guidelines, the police watchdog has concluded.

Desmond Mombeyarara, 34, was arrested at a fuel station in Stretford, Greater Manchester, in May 2020.

Footage of him being Tasered posted on social media sparked protests from anti-racism campaigners.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has recommended improvements to policies and training.

It did not elaborate beyond alluding to the use of Tasers and said a full report would be published in due course.

The watchdog also concluded Mr Mombeyarara's ethnicity had no bearing on the officers' use of force.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Chief Constable Stephen Watson said the officers "conducted themselves professionally and proportionately".

The IOPC said the officers suspected Mr Mombeyarara was intoxicated and he did not comply when they tried to breathalyse him.

'Measured' response

It said events escalated when police attempted to arrest him, which resulted in a Taser being discharged seven times.

The IOPC said it examined evidence including statements from the officers involved and an eyewitness, footage from police bodycams and CCTV as well as social media.

It found officers had not acted in a way which justified disciplinary proceedings and concluded they had not committed a criminal offence.

"This was a very distressing situation that was filmed and shared widely online," IOPC regional director Amanda Rowe said.

"The officers told us they honestly believed they faced the threat of violence and acted accordingly.

"While we found no evidence their actions were not in line with force and national policies, we believe work is needed to update and improve those policies so there is greater clarity about when Tasers should be used."

Chief Constable Watson said: "[The officers] made decisions under what were clearly very difficult circumstances, they faced resistance from the driver involved, their response was measured and resulted in a successful conviction.

"The presence of an innocent child in this scenario is particularly regrettable, although this too is due to the actions of the offending motorist.

"[They] took immediate steps to care for the child and took him to a family member's home to be looked after."

Regarding the IOPC recommendations, he said it was "always important to refresh and review operational training and the support we provide to officers".

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