A friend of Taser victim Adrian McDonald has revealed his final moments.
Paul Carter rang police seeking help after Mr McDonald became “agitated” at a birthday party. Initial police reports said officers were responding to a burglary.
But Mr Carter said: “Adrian was not a burglar, he was a great guy, who would always speak to you and shake your hand.
“I had invited him around, I want to clear his name. He was a brilliant character.”
The tragic events were played out at Mr Carter’s flat in Chesterton, Staffordshire, last Sunday night.
Mr McDonald, 34, who was brought up in Dalton, Huddersfield, where his family still live, had been living in nearby Stoke on Trent for a year.
He was invited to Mr Carter’s birthday party at the flat but for some reason became very distressed.
Mr Carter called the police but it is believed there were other 999 calls made by neighbours.
Armed police arrived at the scene and Tasered 34-year-old Mr McDonald. He became ill in a police van and died.
His death is now being probed by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
Mr Carter told the Stoke Sentinel: “I had known Adrian for about a year. He was a really nice bloke.”
He said most party-goers left the flat at 11pm but he returned to the flat to find Adrian still in the living room and he realised something was wrong.
He added: “He just seemed distressed and I’m not sure why.
“I tried to talk to him but he wasn’t really explaining what was wrong.”
Mr Carter collected his child, who was asleep upstairs, and they went outside to give Adrian some space. He then called police after Adrian continued to be upset.
“I thought it was the right thing to do.
“I rang the police as I thought he needed some help. At no point did I say my home was being burgled.
“Adrian was my friend. I never said he forced his way in or anything, he was there for a few quiet drinks.
“I just want the real story to come out. Adrian wasn’t a burglar, he was my friend.”
