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Familys Plea over Evil Grave-Robbers |
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Written by DeadGirl
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Friday, 15 October 2004 |
By Matthew Cooper, PA News
The family of an 82-year-old woman whose body was stolen by grave-robbers have asked God to forgive those responsible for the “evil†desecration, it emerged tonight.
Relatives of Gladys Hammond made the poignant plea in a note accompanying floral tributes placed on her burial plot at St Peter’s Church in Yoxall, Staffordshire.
A tent placed over the grave by forensic experts was removed tonight after examinations which police hope will help them trace the culprits.
The note, signed The Hammond Family, read: “May God forgive these evil people for what they have done.â€
Earlier, Staffordshire Police disclosed that at least two offenders were involved in digging up the grave of the pensioner – whose family had been targeted by animal rights extremists.
Detective Chief Inspector Nicholas Baker told a press conference in Stafford that officers were keeping an open mind about the motive for the crime but were focusing on the obvious line of inquiry that animal rights protesters were responsible.
He said: “It’s difficult to find words to describe what’s taken place at St Peter’s Church.
“It’s beyond anyone’s understanding of morality and decency.â€
Mr Baker appealed for information from the public and for the offenders themselves to examine their consciences and give themselves up.
The detective added: “We have now completed the forensic analysis of the grave and have also completed a detailed search of the graveyard and the surrounding areas.
“Most of the remains of Gladys Hammond are missing and we can only presume that those persons responsible for the desecration have taken the remains. What constitutes the body has gone.
“Although we are maintaining an open mind, one obvious line of inquiry has to be the connection with the Hall family.â€
Mrs Hammond, who died in 1997, was the mother-in-law of one of two brothers who run Darley Oaks Farm in Newchurch, Staffordshire, where guinea pigs are bred for medical research.
The Hall family have been subjected to a long-running campaign by animal rights activists, suffering hate mail, malicious phone calls, hoax bombs, a paedophile smear campaign and arson attacks.
Mr Baker believes that at least two people would have been required to dig up the grave and may have spent up to four hours at the site overnight between last Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
It is understood that no message was left at the scene by the bodysnatchers and the Hall family are not thought to have received any communication explaining why Mrs Hammond’s remains were targeted.
Anyone with information which may help the police inquiry is urged to contact the incident room at Stafford on 01785 218680 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=3613031 |
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