Policewomen deaths bring back painful memories

The recent death of two female police officers in Greater Manchester has evoked memories for one family. Most people found the news shocking, but for some it was much more personal. Lilian and Stewart Armitage were forced to relive a moment that happened many years ago, yet for them, feels like just minutes ago: the moment when their daughter was also killed in the line of duty.

In March 2001, PC Alison Armitage was working with a colleague to try and impede a car thief. He deliberately ran her over twice, killing an officer described by her colleagues as “outstanding”.

Alison’s killer was Thomas Whaley, who was 19. In court, he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter and received an eight-year sentence. He ended up serving little over five years.

It was a sentence Alison’s parents found difficult to accept.

They put their lives at risk everyday. Lilian Armitage, whose daughter Alison died in the line of duty as a police officer.

“We didn’t feel that justice had been served,” Lilian Armitage told Channel 4 News.

“We didn’t think eight years was representative of our loss and our other daughters felt the same, as did some of her colleagues.”

‘Just surreal’

Lilian and Stewart Armitage say their “hearts go out” to the families of PC Nicola Hughes and PC Fiona Bone who were killed earlier this week. Lilian and Stewart have been thinking of the emotions their families are now faced with.

“It’s unbelievable, you don’t really believe it,” said Lilian, turning to her husband as she spoke, whose hand she clasped tightly.

“Just surreal. Numbness,” he added.

Both want to see tougher sentences for those who take the lives of police officers. They believe there must be a deterrent to stop the killing of police officers.

“The police do a wonderful job and I think they should be respected for the work that they do,” said Lilian.

“The public don’t always see how much work they do – they put their lives at risk everyday.”

As for the man who took their daughter’s life, they say they wanted him to say sorry, but he never did. If he did, could they ever forgive him?

“Well, we could start to try,” said Lilian.