‘Senseless’
PACEMAKER BELFAST 11/02/2013 Conor Clarence arrives at Derry magistrates court. He and another man were appearing on charges relating to the death of PSNI officer Phillippa Reynonds, who died when the police car she was a rear seat passenger in was hit by a stolen vehicle. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker
The death of PSNI Constable Philippa Reynolds, who was killed when the unmarked car she was travelling in was struck by a stolen vehicle, has been described as “senseless and a needless loss of life” by the city’s District Judge.
Judge Barney McElholm made the comment as two men appeared at the local Magistrate’s Court yesterday charged in connection with the death of the 27-year-old former teacher who joined the PSNI two years ago.
Shane Christopher Frane, of Simon Community, Bonds Hill in the Waterside, is charged with causing the death of Philippa Reynolds by dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking causing death and driving whilst unfit.
The 25-year-old, who is alleged to have been the driver of the stolen Toyota Land Cruiser, is also charged with burglary of a house in Fountain Hill, criminal damage and having no insurance or licence.
He is further accused of failing to stop or remain at the scene of the accident at Dales Corner and failing to report it.
Conor Tyrone Clarence, whose address was also given as Simon Community, is charged with aggravated vehicle taking causing death, burglary and criminal damage on February 9.
The 23-year-old, who was a passenger in the stolen vehicle, is further charged with assisting offenders by changing clothes in an apparent attempt to disguise identity.
An investigating officer confirmed that during police interview Clarence said he had not been driving the car but admitted his role and expressed remorse.
David Brewster, defence solicitor for Clarence, told the court his client wished to “publicly express his apology and regret for the role he had in this tragic incident”.
No bail applications were made and both men were remanded in custody until March 7.
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Saturday 25 May 2013
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