This week marks the one-year anniversary of the death of PC Dave Phillips, who was killed on October 5th 2015 whilst on duty for Merseyside Police in Wallasey.
The father-of-two was knocked down by a stolen Mitsubishi pick-up truck after setting down a tyre-puncturing device to stop the vehicle in the early hours of the morning. In March this year, 19-year-old Clayton Williams was sentenced to 20 years in jail for his manslaughter.
The tragedy brought with it an outpouring of grief both locally and nationally, with flowers and tributes left at the scene where PC Phillips lost his life.
His widow, Jen Phillips, left this emotional tribute to her husband, reading: “I can’t believe you’ve been taken away from me. You are my everything and have no idea how I am going to carry on without you not by my side. I love you with every inch of my heart and will miss you so, so much.”
JMU Journalism TV at the funeral of PC Dave Phillips
A handwritten note by their daughter Abi was attached to a bouquet of flowers laid at the crash site on Dock Road, which said: “Daddy, I love you so much, you are the best daddy in the whole wide world. You are my hero, I will miss you.”
Another message from his younger daughter, Sophie, aged three, read: “Daddy, my hero, my super daddy, my world. I love you so much. I will miss our cuddles, our tickles, giggles and smiles. I love you lots and lots, your little princess.”
The 34-year-old was laid to rest on November 2nd 2015 in a moving service that took place at the Anglican Cathedral in Liverpool city centre.
Speaking at his funeral, Merseyside Police Chief Constable Sir Jon Murphy said: “Constable 6554 Dave Phillips came to the police from the community of the Wirral – a local boy who joined his local force, Merseyside Police, to serve his local community.
“Dave did this with dedication, with humility and with great courage. In serving his community Dave paid the ultimate sacrifice. The public, not just of the Wirral and of Merseyside, but the whole of the country, has been outraged by his loss and the pain caused to his family, his friends and his colleagues.”