David Rathband was more than an ordinary PC
LIKE MANY of us, PC David Rathband was defined by his job. He loved being a copper, was clearly good at it and when he lost his sight after being shot by vile Raoul Moat, he also felt he lost his drive, the respect of family and peers, and ultimately his life.
Last week it all became too much and the 44-year-old committed suicide. He leaves a family including a 19-year-old son and a 13-year-old daughter.
Any of you who are fortunate enough to have the greatest job in the world that is being a father knows those are incredibly crucial ages for children to have Dad around.
My sorrow for his family is matched by my contempt for the sick creatures who eulogised Moat after his death and even travelled the length and breadth of the country for his funeral.
I wonder how those deluded individuals are feeling now...