Scotland’s police watchdog has launched an investigation after a police officer fired a Taser during a disturbance in the Highlands.
The officer used the weapon on Andrew Mould during a firearms incident in the Glenshiel area of Kyle earlier this month.
A spokeswoman for the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) yesterday said: “The PIRC is carrying out an independent investigation into the discharge of a conducted energy device – commonly known as a Taser – by a Police Scotland officer on Thursday September 1.
“The Taser was discharged during an incident in the Glenshiel area involving a 48-year-old man.”
She added that a report on the PIRC’s findings would be submitted to the Deputy Chief Constable in due course.
A police spokeswoman said officers were called to a disturbance in the Glenshiel area at around 8.20pm on September 1.
She said: “We can confirm that a conductive energy device was discharged during this incident and following the discharge the male was medically examined in line with guidance and thereafter detained in custody.
“As is routine in these circumstances, Police Scotland referred the incident to the PIRC.”
A Crown Office spokesman said Mould, of Kyle, initially appeared in private at Inverness Sheriff Court on September 2.
He appeared before the court again on September 9, when he made no plea or declaration. He was fully committed and remanded in custody.
Mould faces charges under section 16A of the Firearms Act 1968, which relates to possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
Councillor Isabelle Campbell, Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh, said: “I think there may be occasions when it is necessary for police officers to use Tasers.
“If people’s lives are endangered, then maybe it’s the only way police can handle the situation, but I wouldn’t like it to harm the person.
“It’s quite surprising that something like this happened in a small village like Glenshiel.”
