A MAN has been charged following an incident which saw a taser being deployed by a GMP officer.

The incident received widespread attention on social media, with some commentators criticising the police's use of force.

Shortly before 11pm on Wednesday, May 6, police officers observed a vehicle being driven unsafely at high speed on Chester Road, in Stretford.

The vehicle was stopped and the driver, Desmond Ziggy Mombeyarara, 34, of Cornbrook Park Road, Old Trafford was arrested and subsequently charged with the following:

• Two counts of resisting a constable in the execution of their duty

• One count of driving at excess speed

• One count of not having vehicle insurance

• Once count of being unfit to drive through drink

• One count of failing without reasonable excuse to co-operate with a preliminary test

• One count of failing to stop when required to do so

• One count of unnecessary travel.

He was remanded in custody to appear before Manchester Magistrates Court today Friday 8 May 2020.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has put out a statement on the incident. 
 

He said: "On Friday morning a video was brought to my attention of a police incident at a petrol station in Greater Manchester involving two police officers, a man, a child and the use of a taser.

"I was concerned about what I saw and immediately asked GMP to look into it and provide me with an explanation of what happened.

"From what I have been told, it would appear that the officers were right to apprehend the individual who was putting his child and others at risk by his actions.

"He has subsequently been charged. But it is not at all clear that the level of force used in this instance, particularly in front of a child, was proportionate or justified and that is why I have asked for an urgent and independent review to be carried out."

The matter has been reviewed by the GMP Professional Standards Branch and Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said that the incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, to ensure transparency and independence in terms of reviewing the circumstances of the arrest.

Superintendent Mark Kenny, commented:

"We are aware of public concern regarding this arrest and I want to reassure the public that this matter is being reviewed and treated seriously.

"In addition we have voluntarily referred this matter to the IOPC."