By Dionne Meehan
THE devastated family of young Derry woman Rebecca Browne will take to the streets of Buncrana tomorrow to demand answers, accountability and justice following her tragic death last year.
Ms Browne, who was 21-years-old, had been out for the night when she was hit by a garda car at 3.15am on May 21, 2023 at Ludden, just outside Buncrana.
Since, her family say they have been kept in the dark about what happened on the night of her death.
Last week, Ms Browne’s family were informed by a representative of the Garda Ombudsman (GSOC) that the Director of Public Prosecutions in Dublin has decided not to prosecute the officer responsible for her death.
In response to this, a ‘Justice for Rebecca Browne’ protest was organised in support of her family.
The protest will be held tomorrow evening in Buncrana at 7pm with groups urged to meet at Ludden Beach Car Park.
Following last week’s decision, Ms Browne’s family said the DPP should “hang their heads in shame”.
“Two weeks before Christmas and we have just been updated via email there will be no prosecution,” a spokesperson from the family said.
“We haven’t heard a word from GSOC since July 2023.
“What is a crime is how our family have been treated, a sin of silence since Rebecca’s death like we don’t exist.
“Our feelings and thoughts have been totally ignored and silenced.
“We haven’t even had an inquest into her death.
“No communication from a Family Liaison Officer, who is supposed to be with us supporting us, especially after receiving this devastating news.
“What if this was your daughter?”
In response to this, Conor Moylan, of Madden and Finucane Solicitors, said this decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions is outrageous.
“Rebecca’s family have been let down by the Irish State and are devastated by this decision,” he said.
“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.”
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