Teenager issues apology but denies deliberately killing PC Dave Phillips

The teenager accused of murdering a Merseyside Police officer has “expressed profound remorse” after accepting his driving caused the death of PC Dave Phillips.

The 34-year-old father-of-two died after being hit by a pick-up vehicle in Merseyside on Monday (October 5).

Clayton Williams “extended his apologies” to the officer`s family, in a statement from his solicitor after a preliminary hearing made via video link from prison after being charged with the officer’s murder.

The 18-year-old was earlier remanded in custody at Liverpool Crown Court. He is due in court again on October 22.

In a statement given out after the hearing, his solicitor Andrew Egerton said Williams was adamant he had not driven at the officer but accepted that his driving had caused his death.

The statement read: “There has understandably been a lot of media coverage in relation to the tragic death of PC Dave Phillips.

“We would simply ask that it be borne in mind that the coverage has by no means given the full picture.

“From the outset at the police station, Mr Williams has accepted that his actions and his driving caused the death of PC Phillips.

“However he is adamant that he did not drive at the officer and that he did not intend to injure, let alone kill him.”

Mr Egerton said Williams had “consistently expressed his profound remorse and extended his apologies through the police to PC Phillips’ young family.”

The statement added: “It is now time for the judicial process to take over and we would ask that all bear in mind Mr Williams’ right to a fair trial.

“To be charged and to be convicted are very different and we therefore ask that Mr Williams not be tried in the media but rather in due course by a judge and jury.”

Mr Williams, of Wheatland Lane, Wallasey, is accused of murdering the father of two, attempting to wound another police officer, aggravated theft of a motor vehicle and burglary.

A second man, Phillip Stuart, 30, of Mayfair Court, Oxton, has been charged with burglary and aggravated taking of a vehicle.

PC Phillips was trying to use a stinger-type device to puncture the pick-up truck’s wheels when he was struck in Dock Road, Wallasey in the early hours of Monday.

He has served Merseyside Police for more than nine years and leaves his wife Jen, 28, and daughters Abigail, seven, and Sophie, three.

A minute`s applause in memory of PC Phillips will be observed at Tranmere Rovers` National League game against Eastleigh today.

The club, which also intends to hold a collection during the match for the PC Dave Phillips Memorial Trust Fund, said it was making the gesture because the officer had been previously part of the safety arrangements at the Prenton Park football ground.

Tranmere Rovers’ chairman Mark Palios said: “We send our deepest sympathies to PC Phillips` family and to the wider police community.”