AN open verdict has been recorded in the inquest of a company director whose firm supplied Tasers used during the stand-off with gunman Raoul Moat.

Peter Boatman, 57, director of operations for Pro-Tect Systems, was found dead at his home in Reynard Way, Kingsthorpe, Northampton, just three days after the Home Office revoked Pro-Tect Systems licence to import and sell Tasers.

The move came after it emerged that the firm breached the terms of its licence by supplying X12 Tasers, which were still being tested by Government scientists, directly to police involved in the Moat manhunt.

After the discovery of his body, his business partner said the former police officer was destroyed by the furore.

Pro-Tects managing director Kevin Coles said: "He was a proud man and he felt ashamed at recent developments.

"He spent all his life involved in officer safety and what happened was a result of him being worried about the welfare of officers.

"He knew there was something there that would offer the officers protection and that was what his motive was. The furore over it destroyed him."

A spokeswoman from Northamptonshire Coroners Office said coroner Anne Pember recorded an open verdict at Mr Boatman's inquest today.