Canadian court rejects Taser challenge of inquiry

* Judge says Taser treated fairly in inquiry

* Taser said safety concern was unreasonable

VANCOUVER Aug 10 (Reuters) - A Canadian judge on Tuesday rejected Taser International Inc's (TASR.O) bid to quash the findings of a government inquiry that said stun guns could be lethal and which urged police to restrict their use.

The British Columbia Supreme Court dismissed Taser's argument that safety concerns about the weapon were unreasonable as well as the company's assertion that if should have been able to challenge the inquiry's findings before they were released publicly.

"It is quite clear to me that there were presentations made to the (inquiry) commissioner by medical experts and others to the effect that such weapons can cause serious harm and even death in exceptional circumstances," Judge Robert Sewell ruled.

Sewell also rejected Taser's complaint it was treated unfairly in the inquiry, which was set up by the British Columbia provincial government. The inquiry was launched because of the death of a Polish immigrant at Vancouver airport after police shot him with a stun gun several times.

Taser argued the inquiry had not considered safety studies supplied by the company, and complained the report could cost it sales. (Reporting Allan Dowd, editing by Peter Galloway)