A north-east policeman whose duties included guarding the Royal Family has died after 14 years in a coma after a horrific car crash.
Constable John Alcock required intensive 24-hour care after he was left brain-damaged following the road accident.
And now, his family has revealed the police officer has died peacefully.
The 54-year-old from Moray was due to begin a posting at Balmoral in August 2003 as part of the Queen’s detachment.
However, while driving from Elgin to Ballater police station, the marked car in which he was travelling was struck head-on by a Land Rover, being driven by Marco Bologna, near Tomintoul.
The Italian tourist, who visited the policeman in hospital, was later fined £1,000 after pleading guilty to a careless driving charge.
Following the crash, Mr Alcock spent three years at Dr Gray’s Hospital before being allowed home to die in 2006 as his condition deteriorated.
However, after returning to Garmouth, the former Royal Marine’s condition improved.
His fiancee, Donna, devoted herself to his care by quitting her job as a receptionist and described him as a “fighter” during his “courageous battle” while in a coma. In 2010, Ms Alcock, who legally changed her name after the accident, described her partner’s health as “fantastic” and still retained hope he would be able to communicate again.
At the time, she said: “I can tell when he is not happy, from his hand movements and facial expressions. Sometimes, he will squeeze my hand.”
The following year, the 17-strong team who looked after him while in a “persistent minimal-conscious” state were recognised at the Scottish Care Awards.
The family subsequently launched a court action for £10million against Mr Bologna and Grampian Police, which was settled out of court.
After the crash, it was revealed Mr Alcock’s airbag in the police car had failed to inflate and it would have failed an MOT. Mr Alcock’s funeral mass will be held on Friday, October 20 at St Mary’s Church in Fochabers.
Donations will go towards Brain Injury Grampian and brain injury charity Headway.