The Garda Ombudsman is to probe if criminality was involved in the death of a young woman who was hit by a Garda car.
Rebecca Browne was aged only 21 when she was in a collision with the Garda car in May.
It was announced that the Garda Ombudsman’s Commission (GSOC), which examines matters involving Garda car collisions, will investigate if any actions were “criminal in nature”, according to family lawyers.
A GSOC spokesperson told the Irish Mirror: “This matter was referred to GSOC on the morning of May 21 by An Garda Siochana under section 102(1) of the Garda Síochána Act, 2005.
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“I can confirm that the matter is now under investigation by GSOC, pursuant to Section 98 of the Garda Siochana Act, 2005.
“As the matter is now under investigation, GSOC is not in a position to comment further.”
Lawyers for Rebecca’s family said the change in investigation was due to a “review of evidence” and that her loved ones had “concerns surrounding the tragedy from the outset”.
Her mother Rachel Lynn Smith said: “We are pleased to hear that the investigation is being taken seriously by the Garda Ombudsman.
“We are eager to find out what occurred on the night of Rebecca’s death. We miss our daughter dearly and can only hope that justice will be served.”
Young hairdresser Rebecca, from Derry, was killed following the collision on the outskirts of Buncrana in Donegal in the early hours of May 21 past.
Madden and Finucane solicitors in Belfast said in a statement: “A GSOC Investigation into the death of Rebecca Browne has been re-designated.
“GSOC [has] confirmed that the investigation into the death of Derry woman, Rebecca Browne, has been re-designated and will be investigated under Section 98 of the Garda Siochana Act 2005 as amended.
“The re-designation will investigate as to whether the actions of An Garda Síochána amount to criminal in nature.
“Rebecca Browne was struck by a Garda patrol car while returning from a night out in Buncrana on May 21 this year.
“GSOC initially launched an investigation under Section 95 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, that being where the actions of a Garda member may amount to breaches of discipline.
“After a review of evidence it was deemed more appropriate to re-designate the investigation.”
Section 102(1) of the Garda Síochána Act, 2005, provides for the referral to GSOC by An Garda Síochána of “any matter that appears…to indicate that the conduct of a member of the Garda Síochána may have resulted in the death of, or serious harm to, a person”.
Section 98 of the Garda Siochana Act, 2005, lays out the investigative powers of GSOC designated officers where the matter being investigated appears to involve an offence.
The family’s solicitor Conor Moylan said: “The family of Ms Browne have had concerns surrounding the tragedy from the outset and want the circumstances to be investigated rigorously.
“We will continue to work closely with the family to ensure a full and proper investigation is carried out.”
Donegal crash victim Rebecca was laid to rest on May 26.
A huge turn-out of mourners at St Joseph’s Church in Galliagh, Derry, to support her devastated parents Jeremiah and Lynn and brother Ethan.
Rebecca died after the collision at 3.15am after being out with friends.
She was due to stay at local accommodation at Ludden in Buncrana but was killed just yards from the premises.
