Fiancee's emotional tribute to PC Phillip Pratt
The fiancee of Phillip Pratt, a police officer killed
after being struck by a car on the A249, has paid tribute to
him.
The 26-year-old died on Sunday,
June 14 as he tried to divert traffic near Sittingbourne following
an earlier crash nearby.
Debbie O'Neill, who met PC Pratt
six-and-a-half years ago, said: "Phill had a very naughty sense of
humour and was well-known for his pranks.
"He was one of the funniest people
I have ever met in my life. He was spontaneous and he enjoyed
bringing a smile to people's faces."
Ms O'Neill has two sons,
14-year-old Danny and 10-year-old Liam. They and Phill lived at
Hempstead in Medway. She added: "Phill did as much for Danny and
Liam as any father would. He was an integral part of their lives
and they are devastated."
PC Pratt's sister Julia has also
spoken about how proud she is of her brother. She said: "He was a
larger than life character. Some people make a mark on the world by
the way they live and the difference they make to those whose lives
they touch - and Phill was just such a person.
"He died protecting others. We are
all very proud of him."
PC Pratt was born near his family
home at Minster on the Isle of Sheppey. His parents - Ted and Chris
- said their son loved his job and the fact he was making a
difference and helping people feel safer in the community.
Watch Ch Insp Tony Henley
appealing for witnesses.
Police are appealing for witnesses
to the crash, which involved a grey Peugeot 206 and happened just
after 8am just off the Sheppey-bound carriageway at the junction
with the slip road to the A2 Key Street.
Anyone with information is urged to
contact Kent Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622
798538.
- For more on this story see
this week's Sheerness Times Guardian.
Wednesday, June 24 2009