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A POLICE officer who suffered life-changing injuries after he was mown down by a stolen car in Lower Earley in 2013 has died.
Police Constable Gareth Browning was struck by career criminal Luke Haywood, who was driving a stolen car, in Lower Earley Way on November 30, 2013.
Haywood had driven through several police road blocks and was speeding away from police when he hit PC Browning’s stationary car at 50mph as the officer tried to deploy a ‘stinger’ device.
PC Browning was thrown into the air and landed on the road. He suffered serious, life-changing injuries, including skull fractures and catastrophic brain injuries.
PC Browning passed away on Saturday, April 1, aged 36.
His former colleagues paid tribute to him in a statement released today (Tuesday).
Chief Constable Francis Habgood said: “It is with great sadness that I have to announce that former Police Constable Gareth Browning died on 1 April, aged 36.
“Gareth was a hugely respected colleague whose career was brought to an abrupt end when he was seriously injured while on duty in Shinfield Road, Whitley, Reading, on 30 November 2013.
“Since the incident Gareth needed constant care and was medically retired from the force.
“We continue to support Gareth’s family as well as staff and officers who have been affected by the incident during which Gareth was injured, and the sad news of his death. Staff and officer welfare will always be a priority for the force.
“The force will be liaising with Gareth’s family as to how we will commemorate his life and death.
“Our thoughts are with Gareth’s family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.”
Luke Haywood was jailed for nine years in April 2014 after he admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent to resist arrest.
