PC Blinded By Raoul Moat Found Dead

The police officer left blind after being shot by Raoul Moat has been found dead at his home in Northumberland.

Police found the body of David Rathband on Wednesday after reports of concern for his wellbeing.

Sue Sim, a Northumbria Police Chief Constable said: "I am deeply saddened to have to confirm the death of PC David Rathband and my thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.

"In July 2010 his life changed forever when he was shot and blinded by Raoul Moat. David showed outstanding bravery in what was a terrifying situation. He was a dedicated officer who acted in the best traditions of the police service."

PC Rathband was shot twice as he sat unarmed in his patrol car in Newcastle on July 4, 2010. The day before Moat had shot and injured his ex-girlfriend, Samantha Stobbart, and killed her boyfriend, Chris Brown.

Moat then became the subject of a weeklong manhunt, which ended when he shot himself dead after a standoff with armed police in the market town of Rothbury.

PC Rathband lost his sight after being shot by Moat and later was fitted with prosthetic eyes. He started the Blue Lamp Foundation to help emergency service staff injured in the line of duty.

A statement on the charities website site said: "Since being shot in July 2010, David struggled to come to terms with his horrific injuries and the traumatic effect they had on him and his family and friends.

"David's legacy will live on in the form of The Blue Lamp Foundation, which bears his name."

In March 2011 two men were convicted of helping Raoul Moat. Karl Ness and Qhuram Awan were found guilty of the attempted murder of PC Rathband as well as other charges.

After the pair were sentenced, Mr Rathband said: "Both Ness and Awan will be very old people before they are released or considered for release and long may they stay there.

"These two individuals, along with the other coward who wasn't man enough to stay here, have taken my job from me."

(H/GK)