SHOT IN THE DARK.

Copper blinded by Raoul Moat to return to work.

Published: 14th July 2010

July 1st and the decision to release Raoul Moat from Durham Prison was to lead to serious consequences. Just two days later Moat's ex-girlfriend, Samantha Stobbart would be found injured and her boyfriend, Chris Brown dead after Moat carried out his first shooting offences. In the early hours of the following morning (July 4th) Moat would continue his serial attacks, this time his victim would be PC David Rathband. Moat's gunshots would leave Rathband, father of two children, permanently blind.

David Rathband is now disabled after the attack and chances are the policeman won't be adding a message of symphony on the facebook page paying tribute to the death of a 'local hero'. (Moat shot himself on July 10th.) The 42 year old copper has turned a 'blind eye' towards his gunman,

'I bear no malice towards the man who shot me but now wish to move on with my life,' he told the press. 'My injuries are life-changing. It will require significant adjustments in the future in all aspects of my life.

'I enjoy my job as a police officer and I am totally committed to serving the public. Although I face long-term treatment I am determined to return to duty as a police officer.'

Rathband has been told that he will never regain the sight in his right eye. He was shot in his upper chest and face whilst he was sat in his patrol car (See the photo on the right.)

Wether a one-eyed policeman will be any use to Northumbria Police will remain to be seen, but at least the nutter who carried out these deadly shooting attacks can’t harm any more innocent victims.