Published Date:
02 October 2008
THE widow of a Leeds police officer shot dead on duty wept today as she took part in a ceremony to unveil a memorial in his honour.
Eilisa Broadhurst struggled to control her emotions as she paid tribute to PC Ian Broadhurst.
The 34-year-old traffic officer was murdered by American David Bieber in Dib Lane, Leeds, on Boxing Day 2003.
He and his colleagues Pc Neil Roper and Pc James Banks were shot by the former US Marine after they spotted his vehicle was displaying false number plates while parked in Dib Lane.
Pc Roper and Pc James survived the shooting and Bieber, 42, was later convicted and jailed for life for Pc Broadhurst's murder.
Today, family, friends and former colleagues gathered at the scene to pay tribute to his sacrifice and unveil a memorial stone from the Police Memorial Trust.
Its chairman, film director Michael Winner, was also present to support Mrs Broadhurst.
"I know Ian will be looking down on us with great delight," she said.
"Ian's death has affected so many of us in different ways, especially the nature of it.
"As you all know the police force was a big part of who Ian was. It was one of the great loves of his life and it allowed him to do what he liked best: fast cars, helping people and getting paid for it.
"The love and support I have received over the past four-and-a-half years has been overwhelming. Not only from the police force but from everyone, even those who did not know Ian personally."
She said their short time together was "special" and thanked everyone for "keeping his memory alive in such a positive way".
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Last Updated:
02 October 2008 1:12 PM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Yorkshire