Father Disgusted by Police After Teenager Killed
Police Failures Contributed to Death of Shannon McQuillan, Ombudsman Report Finds
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The family of Shannon McQuillan, who died after being struck by a van in Co Antrim in 2018, have welcomed a Police Ombudsman report detailing multiple breaches in police duty of care. The report confirms failures in safeguarding the vulnerable 19-year-old and her boyfriend, Owen McFerran, prior to the tragic incident.
Seven-and-a-Half Years of Grief and a Damning Report
The long-awaited report, published on tuesday, details the events leading up to Shannon McQuillan’s death and the life-changing injuries sustained by her boyfriend, Owen McFerran. The couple were hit by a van on the Moneynick Road near Toomebridge after being left alone by police officers, a paramedic, and a trainee emergency technician.
Shannon’s father, Liam McQuillan, described the past seven-and-a-half years as a period of “turmoil” for his family. “I am glad that this report is now out, albeit seven-and-a-half years after my daughter was killed,” he said. “The family has been through turmoil for seven-and-a-half years. It hasn’t been easy, it never will be easy, you never forget about a daughter.”
The Police Ombudsman found that officers failed to adequately safeguard the couple’s welfare, conduct basic checks, and recognize the inherent risk of leaving them alone beside a road in vulnerable circumstances.
What Happened on the night of January 20th, 2018?
On the night of January 20th, 2018, police were called to a report concerning Shannon McQuillan and Owen McFerran.Upon arrival, officers found the couple, and subsequently requested an ambulance. However,before the ambulance arrived,three police officers,a paramedic,and a trainee technician made the decision to leave the couple unattended.According to the Police Ombudsman’s report,this decision was a critical failure. shannon, who had a head injury and was dressed for a night out in cold weather, was left vulnerable. Her father expressed his outrage, stating, ”how they could leave a 19-year-old girl who was drunk, who had a head injury, who was dressed for a nightclub, at half three in the morning in a lay-by and her freezing cold… If I did it to a dog I would probably do time for cruelty.”
Shortly after being left alone, Shannon and Owen were struck by a van. Shannon tragically died at the scene, and Owen McFerran suffered life-changing injuries.
Family Pursues Justice Through Civil Proceedings
The McQuillan family has been actively pursuing justice through legal channels.Family solicitor Barry O’Donnell stated that Shannon’s death has left a “serious void” within the family. He confirmed that civil proceedings have already been initiated against both the Chief Constable of the PSNI and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.
“The family believe the tragic death of Shannon could have been prevented and hope today’s findings provide some vindication for their long held views,” O’Donnell added. The civil case aims to address the alleged negligence that contributed to Shannon’s death and Owen’s injuries.
PSNI Apology and Commitment to Learning
Assistant Chief Constable Anthony McNally of the PSNI acknowledged the failings identified in the Ombudsman’s report. “We accept that more could and should have been done by police to prevent the circumstances that preceded Shannon’s death and Owen’s injuries,” he stated. “For that we are truly sorry.”
McNally assured the public that the PSNI will thoroughly review the report and implement necessary changes. “We will now take further time to carefully consider the Ombudsman’s report and assure ourselves that lessons have been learnt particularly around the identification of vulnerability, risk assessment and adherence to service policy.” The PSNI has indicated a commitment to improving training and procedures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.