A MAN who was on day release from prison has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of a police officer.<\/p>\n
Luke Haywood, aged 32, formerly of Ian Mikardo Way, Reading, pleaded guilty to one count of the manslaughter of PC Gareth Browning at Reading Crown Court.\u00a0<\/p>\n
At the same hearing he was sentenced to three years and four months\u2019 imprisonment. This will be served consecutively to the sentence of nine years’ imprisonment which he received in April 2014.<\/p>\n
On 30 November 2013, while on day release from prison Haywood was driving a stolen Mazda, which was given to him by a friend.<\/p>\n
PC Gareth Browning was on duty in Whitley, Reading, when he attempted to stop the vehicle but it struck him.<\/p>\n
PC Browning sustained serious injuries from which he never recovered and sadly he died on 1 April last year.<\/p>\n
Following today\u2019s hearing PC Browning\u2019s family released this tribute: \u201cGareth was a loving husband, father, son and brother and a wonderful friend and colleague.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhilst this sentence in no way helps to ease the pain of our loss we are grateful to Thames Valley Police and the Crown Prosecution Service for their work on this case and to TVP for their continued support of our family.\u201d<\/p>\n
Assistant Chief Constable Nikki Ross said: \u201cPC Gareth Browning put his life on the line to serve and protect the public and on 30 November 2013 he made the ultimate sacrifice when he was struck by a stolen vehicle.<\/p>\n
\u201cGareth and a colleague used a stop stick in an attempt to stop the stolen car which was being driven by Luke Haywood, who was on day release from prison. The vehicle, which was being driven by Haywood recklessly and at speed, hit Gareth who suffered serious injuries and needed constant care from that day on.<\/p>\n
\u201cGareth never recovered from his injuries and sadly he died on 1 April last year. Gareth\u2019s death was a stark reminder of the sacrifices that police officers make across the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cGareth was proud to be a police officer, and we could not be more proud of him.<\/p>\n
\u201cGareth was a hugely respected police officer and friend whose colleagues have felt his loss every day since the incident occurred.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was also a wonderful husband and father and our thoughts still go out to his family who must miss him terribly.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe force will continue to support Gareth\u2019s family as well as staff and officers who have been affected by the incident.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn April 2014 Haywood was jailed for nine years after pleading guilty to one count of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, one count of aggravated vehicle taking and one count of going equipped for burglary. However, following Gareth\u2019s death last year the Attorney General granted the authority to prosecute Haywood with manslaughter.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough I am satisfied that Haywood pleaded guilty to manslaughter and saved Gareth\u2019s family and witnesses the painful task of attending court for trial, this is little consolation because no conviction or sentence will ever bring back Gareth.\u201d<\/p>\n