The heartbroken mother of a young Derry woman who died after being struck by a Garda car in Donegal has said she hopes “justice will be served” after an Ombudsman probe into the incident was upgraded.
Rebecca Browne (21) died after returning from a night out in Buncrana in the early hours of May 21.
The Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) initially launched an investigation under Section 95 of the Garda Siochana Act 2005, meaning the probe was to examine if the actions of a Garda amounted to breaches of discipline.
Following a review of evidence, the investigation has been re-designated and will look at whether the actions amount to being criminal in nature.
Ms Browne’s mother, Rachel Lynn Smith, said the family are pleased that the investigation is being “taken seriously” by GSOC.
“We are eager to find out what occurred on the night of Rebecca’s death,” she added.
“We miss our daughter dearly and can only hope that justice will be served.”
The solicitor for the family, Conor Moylan of Madden and Finucane, 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.”
Ms Browne was from the Galliagh area of Derry and worked as a hairdresser.
