Mother welcomes police gun guidelines

Eileen Ashley wants the recommendations followed

The mother of a man shot dead by police has welcomed calls for officers to carry non-lethal weapons in future.

James Ashley was naked and unarmed when he was shot and killed in front of his girlfriend in his Sussex flat in January 1998.

The 39-year-old from Merseyside was shot because incorrect intelligence reports suggested he might be armed.

A Police Complaints Authority report has recommended that more use be made of non-lethal weapons such as water cannon and stun guns.

Guidelines ignored

It considered 24 shootings by police officers from 1998 to 2001.

In Mr Ashley's case, an investigation revealed police guidelines had not been followed.

Mr Ashley's mother Eileen, from Toxteth in Liverpool, said: "I am glad they have highlighted the need for other weapons that don't kill because we have always said there must be easier ways to deal with situations.

"I have lost James and everything must be done to prevent other mothers having to experience that."