Two in court today over police woman’s death
Phillipa Reynolds
Two men will appear in court this morning in relation to a car crash which killed a “bubbly and beautiful” police officer in her patrol car.
Constable Philippa Reynolds, 27, from the Greater Belfast area, died when the unmarked car she was travelling in turned into the path of a stolen speeding 4x4, which had just run a red light, in Derry.
Two men were arrested following the incident on the Limavady Road at around 3.40am on Saturday. A 25-year-old man will appear in Derry’s Magistrates Court on Monday morning facing ten charges including death by dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking causing death or grievous bodily injury, burglary and driving when unfit. A 23-year-old man will also appear, facing charges of aggravated vehicle taking causing death or grievous bodily injury, burglary, criminal damage and assisting offenders.
Ms Reynolds’ commander in Derry said he and fellow officers were devastated at the loss of a colleague they all loved. Ms Reynolds, a former teacher, had been in the Police Service of Northern Ireland for two years.
Chief Superintendent Stephen Cargin, said: “She was enthusiastic, bubbly and had a beautiful personality. She was just loved by her colleagues and she turned that love to the community she served.”
The patrol car was turning a corner when the stolen silver Toyota Land Cruiser hit it side on. Mr Cargin said he believed the officer, who was sitting in the rear driver’s side seat, would have died instantly due to the force of the impact. Two other officers in the car suffered non-serious injuries.
The commander said it could have been any vehicle turning the corner into the path of the 4x4. “It could have been anyone, it could have been a family that was struck,” he said.
“She was a young 27-year-old officer, just two years’ service, in the prime of her life, doing what she loved to do - and that was serving the community to the best of her ability,” he said. “Her colleagues are devastated, as I am as her commander, as we all are as a police service.”
Northern Ireland’s chief constable has vowed to bring to justice those responsible. Matt Baggott said: “I and my colleagues will ensure that no stone remains unturned as we work to bring to justice those who perpetrated this crime.”
Police had been hunting for two men who made off from the scene in the direction of the Ebrington area. The Toyota was stolen in the Gobnascale area of Derry around 3am.
Mr Cargin appealed to anyone who had seen the vehicle from that time, or who witnessed the crash, to come forward. The Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman’s office has been informed.
Earlier in a joint statement, the First and Deputy First Minters said: “This is devastating news and we want to extend our heartfelt sympathies to the Police Officer’s family, friends and colleagues.
“We wish her two police officer colleagues a speedy and full recovery.
“Officers in the PSNI put their lives at risk on a daily basis to serve and protect our community and we are all truly grateful for their dedicated service.
“Those who commit a crime such as vehicle theft must realise their actions can have serious consequences. We urge anyone with information to go to the police.”
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Weather for Derry
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 6 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 6 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 28 mph
Wind direction: North
