‘He is finally at peace’ Anguish of wife as PC passes away after right-to-die ruling

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Paul Briggs passed away after falling in a coma in 2015

Paul Briggs, 43, suffered catastrophic brain injuries in a motorcycle crash while serving with Merseyside Police in 2015.

Life support machines at the Walton Centre in Liverpool had been keeping him alive but knowing he would never recover, his family fought a legal battle to force doctors to let him die with dignity.

Last month Mr Justice Charles, of the Court of Protection, ruled the married father of five-year-old Ella, could be transferred to a hospice.

His widow Lindsey, 40, spoke of her grief at his death on Saturday and also her relief he has finally passed away in peace.

We are so, so sad to have lost him, but know that he is finally free and at peace

Lindsay Briggs

Paying tribute to her “amazing, lovely” husband, she said: “We’re devastated he has gone and are grieving for Paul but we are also relieved for him.

“We are so, so sad to have lost him, but know that he is finally free and at peace.”

GETTY

Lindsay Briggs was fighting for her husband's right to die

The accident happened in July 2015 as PC Briggs rode his motorbike to work in Liverpool.

As he approached Birkenhead tunnel, a Nissan Micra coming the other way hit him while on the wrong side of the road.

Nissan driver Chelsea Rowe, 26, from Birkenhead, was later jailed for a year after admitting dangerous driving causing serious injury.

PA

Mr Briggs joined the police force in 2004 after leaving the army

PA

Chelsea Rowe was jailed for one year for her dangerous driving

PC Briggs joined Merseyside Police in 2004 after leaving the Army.

Yesterday Chief Constable Andy Cooke said: “On behalf of PC Briggs’ colleagues and friends at Merseyside Police, I want to let his family know that we are all thinking of them at this tragic time.

“Paul dedicated his career to protecting the public and the force is flying the flag at half mast in his honour.”

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