Family of Derry woman struck by Garda car ‘outraged’ at no prosecution ruling

The family of a young Derry woman who died after being struck by a Garda patrol car described as “outrageous” the decision to not prosecute the officer driving the vehicle.

Solicitor Colin Moylan of Madden & Finucane, said the family of Rebecca Browne are devastated by the decision taken by the Director of Public Prosecution’s office, and plan to file for a judicial review.

Ms Browne (21), from the Galliagh area, was on a night out with her cousin when she was struck in the early hours of a Sunday morning in May last year at Ludden near Buncrana.

The Garda ombudsman commission launched an investigation into the 21-year-old’s death and passed on a file to the DPP.

Mr Moylan said: “This decision, by the Director of Public Prosecutions, not to prosecute the officer responsible is outrageous.

“Rebecca’s family have been let down by the Irish State and are devastated by this decision.”

He added that “the DPP did not have the courtesy to consult the Browne family in relation to their decision”.

The DPP does not comment on individual cases.

“We have requested the full written reasons, together with all documents, consultation notes, expert opinions and reports, and memoranda which have given rise to this decision,“ Mr Moylin added.

“It is our intention to challenge this decision by way of judicial review.”

In a statement, the commission, the GSOC, said it was notified by the DPP’s office of the latter’s decision “not to direct a prosecution in the case of the tragic death of Rebecca Browne, who was fatally injured on the 21 May 2023 following a road traffic collision”.

“The incident was the subject of an independent criminal investigation by GSOC, which concluded with the submission of an investigative file to the DPP by GSOC,” a spokesperson added.

“GSOC has noted the DPP’s decision, and has notified interested parties in the case, including the Browne family” and members of the gardai involved.

The commission has told the Browne family of their entitlement to “a summary of reasons from the DPP for its decision not to prosecute, as well as their statutory entitlement to request a review of the decision”.

“While GSOC can make no further comment at this time, it will continue to engage with the Browne family in the context of coronial proceedings and any other statutory processes that may arise.”

Ms Browne was with her cousin on a night out in Buncrana when she was struck by the patrol car.

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