Taser company man 'kills himself'

October 1, 2010
BBC News

The director of operations of the firm which supplied the Tasers used during the stand-off with gunman Raoul Moat is understood to have killed himself.

Former police officer Peter Boatman, of the Daventry firm Pro-Tect, was found dead on Friday morning, his business partner said.

Earlier this week it emerged supplier Pro-Tect breached its licence by supplying X12 Tasers direct to police.

The Home Office confirmed the firm had had its licence revoked.

'Devastated'

Mr Boatman's business partner, Kevin Coles, told BBC News that Mr Boatman had been found dead.

He said he was "devastated" at the news.

He added that Mr Boatman was a "proud man" who had worked hard to protect the police and had felt "ashamed" at the recent developments.

He said the Home Office ban and the subsequent coverage had "destroyed" him.

Pro-Tect was accused of supplying a new Taser weapon to Northumbria Police during the Raoul Moat manhunt in breach of Home Office rules because the Taser had not been fully tested.

Mr Coles said Pete Boatman had only wanted to help police officers who were caught up in the hunt for Moat.

Northamptonshire Police, which was investigating the company, is preparing to issue a statement.