‘Justice for Rebecca Browne’ event planned for Buncrana

The family of a young Derry woman who died after being hit by a Garda patrol car are holding a “civic protest to demand answers, accountability and justice” regarding her death.

Rebecca Browne, from the Galliagh area of the city, died in May 2023 in Buncrana, in Inishowen, County Donegal, when she was struck by a Garda vehicle.

The collision was referred to the Garda Síochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC), which announced last week the Director of Public Prosceutions (DPP) had informed it not to direct a prosecution in the case.

As a result of the DPP’s decision, the ‘Justice for Rebecca Browne Campaign’ has been etablished to “share information and get justice for our beautiful Rebecca Browne”.

The campaign is holding the “civil protest” on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 7.00pm at the Ludden Beach car park in Buncrana.

The organisers said: “The decision not to prosecute and Gardaí involved has left her family and community devastated and demanding justice!

“We want to gather to show our support for Rebecca’s family and to call for transparency and accountability from the Gardaí and the DPP.”

'Outrageous'

Solicitors representing the Browne family said the family had not been consulted about the DPP’s decision not to proceed with any prosecutions in the case.Conor Moylan of Madden and Finucane Solicitors described the decision not to prosecute any officers as “outrageous”.

He added: “The decision, by theDPP, not to prosecute the officer responsible is outrageous. Rebecca’s family have been let down by the Irish State and are devastated by this decision.

“The DPP did not have the courtesy to consult the Browne family in relation to their decision.

“We have requested the full written reasons, together with all documents, consultation notes, expert opinions and reports, and memoranda which have given rise to this decision.

“It is our intention to challenge this decision by way of Judicial Review.”