I don't know if the tasers used in this country are the same as in America but the number of deaths attributed to the police use of them there is rapidly approaching 1,000.
I think they are becoming far too readily used in this country. We had the case of the local lad the other week at the ice cream place. They can be deadly weapons and in my opinion should only be used when the police feel there is no other safe way of restraining a person.
Every case should be judged on its merits and we don't know the full story here. But my initial thoughts are a pissed up bloke who clearly isn't armed could be quite easily restrained by trained officers without the need for this.
I'd be interested to read what the official guidelines are for police as to when they should and shouldn't use them.