THE cop blinded by gun maniac Raoul Moat was found dead at his home in a
suspected suicide last night.
PC David Rathband, 44, had struggled to cope after being blasted in the face
by Moat in July 2010.
Cops found the dad-of-two’s body in Blyth, Northumberland.
Ex-bouncer Moat, 37, had already shot dead his former girlfriend’s new man
Christopher Brown, 29, in his rampage in July 2010. He also blasted and
wounded his ex Samantha Stobbart, 22.
Rathband died two days after returning home to Blyth following a month-long
visit to see his twin Darren in Adelaide, Australia.
Before the end of his break he posted a string of disturbing messages on
Twitter suggesting he was considering suicide.
One read: “RIP PC Rathband.”
In another tweet he wrote: “I am flying home on Monday and will say goodbye to
the children.”
He also commented on the lack of contact with wife Kath and said that she just
wanted to be friends.
Rathband revealed they had split last November.
In another tweet he wrote how he had lost “my sight, my job, my wife and my
marriage”.
His mood later appeared to improve when he said he was looking forward to the
future.
He also said: “Very emotional few days but back on track. Now focusing on my
trip back to the UK and the road ahead.”
He also thanked his Twitter followers for their messages of support.
In the last-known picture of David — tweeted by Darren — he was seen
sunbathing at a police recuperation centre just six days before his death.
Northumbria Police would not comment on the cause of death last night — but it
was feared Rathband hanged himself.
Chief Constable Sue Sim 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 for ever 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.”
A police spokesman added no-one else was being sought in connection with the
incident.
“He was declared dead at the scene. A police investigation is under way. The
coroner has been informed.”
The street where the brave bobby lived was cordoned off last night as an
officer stood guard. Forensics experts were at the scene.
A spokesman for the The Blue Lamp Foundation – a charity started by David to
help emergency services personnel injured in the line of duty as the result
of a criminal act – last night said: “It is with great sadness that we
learn of the death of David Rathband. 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. It
was David’s wish that those who found themselves in a similar position to
him could receive the support that wasn’t available to him at the time.
“David’s family have asked that their privacy be respected at this time
and they are allowed the time and space to reflect and grieve.”
Bodybuilding nut Moat had just been freed from prison when he went on his
rampage with a sawn-off shotgun on July 3, 2010.
He fled after shooting Samantha and Christopher in Gateshead — and next day
blasted Rathband as he sat in his patrol car in Newcastle.
David later said: “I looked into his eyes and saw nothing — no emotion. Then I
felt the pain full-on in my face.
“I knew my right eye socket had just exploded and my eye had gone.”
Just 12 minutes earlier steroid freak Moat had phoned 999 to “declare war” on
the police.
He went on the run for seven days before he was cornered in Rothbury,
Northumberland. He killed himself after a tense stand-off with police.
Rathband bravely struggled to cope with his blindness but it proved too much.
He split with wife Kath, 42, and moved out of the marital home in a bid to
learn to live independently.
Rathband, who had a son, 19, and daughter, 13, admitted last July that he had
suicidal thoughts. He said in an interview: “I’m not a robot, I have been
badly affected by what’s happened.
“I have to wait and see but as long as I have the conviction to carry on doing
the best by my family then I don’t think I can go far wrong.”
But last November Rathband revealed his marriage was over after a trial
separation.
The previous August police visited the couple’s home. They were responding to
reports of an alleged assault but no further action was taken.
After the split, Rathband was said to have formed a close friendship with 7/7
survivor Lisa French.
Last July he received a special recognition award from PM David Cameron at the
Sun-backed Police Bravery Awards. Locals were stunned by the tragedy last
night.
PC Rathband’s street was cordoned off with police tape with an officer
standing guard.
A teenage girl, who went to the same school as Rathband’s son, said: “PC
Rathband was a lovely man and I thought they were a lovely family.
“He did a speech at my friend’s funeral last year and I am really shocked to
hear about what has happened. I can’t believe it.
“His family and friends will all be absolutely devastated. It is such a shock
to hear that he has died.”
A neighbour added: “It is a big shock. Everyone knows him around here. He was
a prominent figure and everyone felt for him knowing what he had been
through after he was shot. He seemed very brave.
“I don’t know how it has happened but it is tragic.”