London police allow black man who was shot
with a stun gun to appeal damages case!

A black youth worker, who was shot with a stun gun by City of London police during a traffic stop, has been granted permission to appeal after losing a damages claim. 

Officers stated that Edwin Afriyie assumed a "fighting stance" before being Tasered, but body-worn camera footage revealed he had his arms folded at a distance. Afriyie, 37, suffered a minor injury, hitting his head on a stone ledge from the impact. 

In June, a high court judge ruled that officers "honestly believed" the Taser use was necessary, citing Afriyie's large and muscular build and apparent agitation.

Lord Justice William Davis, in granting permission to appeal, expressed belief that the body-worn footage provided a real prospect of success for an appeal, citing a "sensible basis for arguing that [the judge] fell into error." The court of appeal is anticipated to hear the case in early 2024.

Edwin Afriyie welcomed the allowance of the appeal as a significant step towards justice, not only for himself but for others who have faced disproportionate police targeting. The appeal contends that the judge erred in deeming the use of the Taser on Afriyie lawful and that the police failed to adhere to guidelines requiring its use only in "proportionate, lawful, accountable, and absolutely necessary" circumstances.

Afriyie, employed by a local authority supporting care leavers, was pulled over by police in the City while driving friends from a party in 2018. Despite denying speeding and undergoing a inconclusive breathalyzer test, Afriyie was charged with failure to provide a sample. However, the case was dropped when body-worn camera footage was ordered by magistrates.

Afriyie expressed deep concern about the initial judgment justifying the Taser use, emphasizing systemic issues in the justice system. He described ongoing struggles and emotional tolls since the incident, highlighting the absence of justice hindering moving forward.

While Afriyie's legal claim did not explicitly address race discrimination, he previously asserted that the police treated him differently due to his race. His solicitor, Kevin Donoghue, expressed hope that a favorable court decision would prompt a reevaluation of Taser use culture and training, particularly concerning marginalized communities.

Detective Superintendent Carly Humphreys, head of professional standards at the City of London police, acknowledged the granted appeal but refrained from further comment at this time.