Police officer farewelled after dying in pursuit

THE Newcastle community turned out in force yesterday to farewell a police officer who died in a car crash during a police pursuit in the Hunter Valley earlier this month.

The officer, Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson, died after crashing into a tree while trying to get ahead of the person fleeing police, to lay down road spikes.

Hundreds of Newcastle locals turned out for Sgt Richardson's funeral at the city's Christ Church Cathedral.

Sgt Richardson met wife Margaret when they were police recruits.

He leaves a seven-year-old son and a five-month-old son.

Police officers stood to attention during the funeral and joined a lengthy procession through the city after the service.