Balancing the book, PC David Rathband...

Last night I watched an interview with PC David Rathband, victim of the shotgun wielding Raoul Moat, I have been waiting to hear more of this part of the story and to tell the truth was surprised to see him make a statement so soon.

His quiet dignity and measured tone showed me what a brave man that he is, his determination to recover and return to service in his obviously beloved Police force speaks volumes.

This is the face of the cool head that I have been writing about wanting to see in our Police, I have nothing but admiration for this man who though seriously injured tried under extreme duress to do all the right things. I watched and listened to his account of what he believed at the time were probably his last moments in this life, his immediate concern was to let his fellow officers know what had happened and where Raoul Moat was, to try to ensure that this chain of events would be no longer than absolutely neccessary.

It was easy to feel the emotion welling inside him at the thought of not being ever again in the arms of his wife and family and I for one choked up when he talked of that fear and choked on it. I had hoped to put that interview with him in this post but could not find it on Youtube, so the press release from his brother will have to speak for him.

PC Rathband and his brother show the dignity this situation demands, in complete contrast to the media frenzy over the other side and the statements made by Moats brother. Mr Darren Rathband  reitterates his brothers previous statement and also gives the news that David will be welcomed back to service with the force whenever he feels he is ready.

There were no accusations, no railing against the injustice of what had befallen his brother, just a bare statement and then he slips away through the crowd . Two very brave and dignified men who's calibre we could all do well to emulate!

I cannot for a moment imagine Raoul Moat even attempting to pick himself up from such a situation, indeed he preferred to use violence rather than sort his life out and become a man!

I wish PC Rathband a speedy recovery and hope that medical science will one day be able to give him his sight back, so he may enjoy his world and family once again. He deserves that, Good Luck David!

Some sense and perspective from Anna Raccoon