Rathband Family's £100k Bill Over Lost Claim

The family of PC David Rathband have branded Northumbria police as "cruel" after losing their High Court negligence claim against the force.

Relatives of the late traffic officer had argued he should have been warned about Raoul Moat's threats against the police before the gunman shot him in the face in July 2010.

PC Rathband's siblings said that had he been told he would not have been sitting stationary in his patrol car.

But Mr Justice Males, sitting at the Moot Hall in Newcastle, ruled that the claim had failed - and that the claimants must also pay the force's costs, with an interim payment of £100,000 due within 21 days.

Mr Justice Males said it was under nine minutes after the 999 call that Moat shot the unarmed officer in his car.

"PC Rathband suffered horrific injuries, including the loss of his eyesight," he said. "It is surprising that he was not killed."

He said the claimants' case was that, if he had been warned, PC Rathband would not have been, in his own words, "a sitting duck".

But the judge said it was a fast-moving and unprecedented situation for the commanders.

He added: "I am acutely conscious that it is easy to be wise after the event and that the dangers of hindsight must be avoided."

No members of PC Rathband's family were in court as the parties had been made aware of the judgement before the ruling was handed down.

But a statement read out on their behalf by a spokesman said: "The arrogance and insensitivity of Northumbria police throughout has been cruel to say the least.

"The public perception appears that police officers are looked after by their own force.

"This was not definitely the case for David. He was left alone on 4 July and thereafter not only by the force he was so proud to serve but by others whom he loved too."

Chief Constable Steve Ashman said after the case: "The judge, following detailed scrutiny of the events of that night, over a two-week period, has stated that it was emphatically clear that PC Rathband had not been let down by Northumbria Police.

"We continue to wish David's family the best for the future and David will always remain in the heart of Northumbria Police."

PC Rathband was shot twice and left for dead by Moat.

The father of two was blinded, as well as being left with extensive injuries to his face and shoulder.

He took his own life in February 2012 aged 44.

The negligence case was started by PC Rathband.