PC Phillips verdict - statements from family and police
Clayton Williams found guilty of manslaughter
STATEMENT FROM DET SUPT RICHIE CARR Detective Superintendent Richie Carr said: “Today (Monday, 21 March), 18-year-old Clayton Williams has been sentenced to 20 years in a Young Offenders Institution after he was convicted of the manslaughter of PC Dave Phillips, who was killed while on duty on 5 October 2015. "Williams was sentenced to 20 years for manslaughter, eight years for aggravated vehicle taking, and three years for burglary to run concurrently. He had been found not guilty of the attempted grievous bodily harm of PC Tom Birkett. “We welcome the verdict and hope that it will give some closure to PC Phillips’ family, but ultimately nothing can bring him back and his family are still struggling to come to terms with his loss. PC Phillips was just 34-years-old, he was married to Jen and was a loving and doting dad to his daughters Abigail, 7, and three-year-old Sophie. He had everything to live for, but that was taken from him by Clayton Williams in the early hours of 5 October and now his families will be serving their own life sentence. “PC Phillips died in the line of duty as he was assisting his colleagues in attempts to arrest Clayton Williams who just an hour earlier had stolen a Mitsubishi pick up truck during a burglary at a commercial premises in Birkenhead. “In the hour before PC Phillips murder Williams drove dangerously and at speeds of up to 80mph in built up, residential areas, at times he even drove on the wrong side of the road. He refused to stop for patrols and his dangerous driving put the lives of other road users at risk. “Throughout the pursuit Williams showed that he was a competent driver, who was capable of evading two pursuing officers and he was ruthless in his attempts to resist arrest. When he approached PC Phillips he did not try and avoid the officer, and his colleague, instead he mounted the central reservation and drove directly at PC Phillips. He hit PC Phillips head on causing catastrophic fatal injuries and then he drove at PC Birkett, who miraculously managed to jump out of the way of the oncoming vehicle. “Following the collision Williams did not stop at the scene to try and help PC Phillips, he drove off at speed and then abandoned the car before trying to cover his tracks.” He added: “Following the manslaughter and subsequent media appeals the investigation team was flooded with calls from members of the public who called with information which they thought may help bring the offender to justice and I would like to thank them, and the media, for their assistance with the investigation. “This is a truly tragic event that has affected many people and I like to take the opportunity to thank the investigation team for the professionalism they have shown throughout this case. Murder investigations are always difficult, as there is always a human cost, and our officers are fully aware of that, but when a murder investigation involves a colleague it can make it more difficult. It is vital that the investigation remains impartial and objective to maintain the integrity of the case and the team have managed to do this throughout. I would also like to thank the Crown Prosecution Service and our prosecution team for all of their support throughout this difficult and challenging investigation. “Clayton Williams was found not guilty of attempt section 18 wounding against PC Birkett, and pleaded guilty to burglary and aggravated unauthorised taking of a motor vehicle. “Five other people who have previously pleaded guilty to charges in relation to the case have also been sentenced. “Phillip Stuart, 30 years, of Mayfair Court, Oxton, was sentenced to six years in prison for aggravated unauthorised taking of a motor vehicle and burglary. “Dawn Cooper, 34, of Wheatland Lane was sentenced to one year in prison for assisting an offender. Georgia Clarke, 19, and Michael Smith, 19, were sentenced to one year in a Young Offender Institution for assisting an offender.” ENDS STARTS - STATEMENT FROM JEN PHILLIPS Following sentencing, PC Dave Phillips wife Jen, said: “From the start I wanted everyone to see Dave for the man he is, not just a police officer, but a loving husband, wonderful father, devoted son, protective brother and all round kind, genuine man. "We often had conversations about the lack of respect for the police. The uniform used to represent a figure of authority within the community, but as time has gone on, it seemed to myself and Dave that that same uniform has become a target for criminals to abuse. "Just walking along the street, Dave was regularly spat at, assaulted, sworn at, and so on. He was a man just doing his job. "However, since Dave was taken from us I have received so much support from the public, all over the country and beyond, and it has given me hope that the police are still respected and thought of highly. "I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all the kind words, letters, cards, gifts and donations. I feel completely overwhelmed by it all and has helped me through this terrible dark time. "I have kept every single card and letter, so when the girls are older they can read them and see how loved and respected their daddy is. My girls will be raised knowing there is more good in this world than bad. Thank you." ENDS STARTS - STATEMENT FROM ROBIN PHILLIPS ON BEHALF OF FAMILY "This morning the jury returned a verdict of guilty of manslaughter, which has not confirmed our belief that he murdered David. Thus drawing a line under five-and-a-half months of torment we have all had to endure at the hands of Williams. Justice has prevailed and I cannot begin to express our relief. "I would like to extend, most sincerely, our thanks to Mr Ian Unsworth and Mr Henry Riding, all the detectives and policemen and women of Merseyside Police, the CPS and especially our Family Liaison Officers, who have worked so hard and professionally with boundless dedication to achieve this result. "Although Williams has been sentenced to 20 years, it is our families, both adults and children, who will have a life sentence handed to us, spending the rest of our lives without David. "I have said on many occasions, that we were and are overwhelmed by the outstanding support we have received from the public so I make no apologies for repeating those most grateful thanks and ask that we are given the time and space to allow us to grieve and try to come to terms with all that has happened over the last months."