Tasered man spared jail

A 26-year-old Shrewsbury man, who was stunned by police with a taser gun when he was arrested, has avoided being sent to prison.

Tony Haycock, of Montgomery Way, was sentenced at Shrewsbury Magistrates Court yesterday after he admitted causing criminal damage to the side window of a car outside the Steam Wagon pub in Mount Pleasant Road, on Christmas Eve.

He had also previously admitted causing officers to fear unlawful violence when they arrived to investigate the incident.

Haycock was given a three-month prison sentence suspended for two years, a two-year supervision requirement, including an integrated domestic abuse programme, and a six-month alcohol treatment requirement.

He was also ordered to pay £60 compensation and £60 costs.

Mr Paul Davies, prosecuting, said the incident happened when Haycock's partner and her mother drove to the pub to take him home. An argument broke out and Haycock threatened to hit his partner's mother.

Mr Julian Tutchener-Ellis, for Haycock, said: "He lost his temper and was abusive."

He said of the use of the taser: "The barbs had to be pulled out of his chest with pliers and he had bruising to his body. He has all ready been punished to some extent."