Police officer denies assaulting her force's own race relations adviser by Tasering him in the face
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A police officer has denied Tasering her force's own race relations adviser in the face.
Claire Boddie, 47, appeared at Taunton Magistrates' Court to face a charge of assault by beating contrary to Section 39 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988.
The charge arises from an incident in which Judah Adunbi, 63, was allegedly hit with a Taser in Bristol, on January 14 this year.
A video of the alleged incident has been widely published.
(Image: David Hedges SWNS.com)
(Image: David Hedges SWNS.com)
Following an investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission, a file of evidence was passed to the Crown Prosecution Service, which decided to issue a summons.
Boddie, whose address in court papers was given as Avon and Somerset Police headquarters, spoke only to confirm her name and date of birth and enter her not guilty plea during the hearing.
District Judge David Taylor told the court that "given the nature of the case, particularly the circumstances of the case" it should be heard outside the Avon and Somerset Police force area.
He said it would be listed for a case management hearing on September 12 at Swindon Magistrates' Court.
(Image: David Hedges SWNS.com)
(Image: David Hedges SWNS.com)
The judge told Boddie: "I am satisfied, given the nature of this case as a whole, that the interests of justice would be far better served outside the force area.
"I will adjourn the case until September 12 and give you unconditional bail. At this case management hearing a trial date will be fixed."
Mr Adunbi, who attended the hearing with friends, said afterwards: "We are pleased with the Independent Police Complaints Commission and the Crown Prosecution Service.
"We are hopeful that justice will seen to be done by the courts."
(Image: SWNS.com)
(Image: SWNS.com)
Avon and Somerset Police voluntarily referred itself to the police watchdog following the incident.
Mr Adunbi is a former member of the Independent Advisory Group to Avon and Somerset Police.
The groups advise on policing issues that may cause concern to local people and communities. Members from various backgrounds volunteer with the purpose of building trust, confidence and better relationships with diverse communities.