A policeman who was left blinded after being shot in the face by gunman Raoul Moat said he was "devastated" but felt good about the future as he was released from hospital.
Pc David Rathband was sitting in his patrol car at a roundabout on the A1 in Newcastle when the killer opened fire on him without warning. The married father of two was taken to hospital but doctors were unable to save his sight.
His twin brother Darren, 42, said Pc Rathband was in good spirits and was looking for ward to the future.
He said the injured Pc, who was driven in an ambulance with a police patrol car escort from Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary, planned to "help people" once he was well.
Speaking outside the hospital, Mr Rathband said he had travelled from Stafford to see his brother home safe.
He said: "David's left hospital, he's gone home with Kath and the children.
"He wants some privacy; he needs some time to recover and get back on his feet.
"We're all aware he has a massive road ahead of him.
"All he wants to do is spend some time with the family.
"He's aware of people's attention all over the country and across the world but he just needs some time."
