Church Gresley cemetery vandalism branded 'disgraceful' and 'moronic' by councillors

A councillor has dubbed the destruction of a memorial bench at a Swadlincote cemetery as "disgraceful" and "moronic".

In early November, a series of memorial benches at Church Gresley Cemetery in York Road were destroyed and it is alleged that the same "culprits" also started a nearby bin fire.

At a South Derbyshire District Council meeting on December 2, Cllr Trevor Southerd, deputy leader of the authority asked: "There was damage caused to Gresley Cemetery with memorial benches there burnt and I was wondering if there had been any other occurrences at any other graveyards in the district or whether it was a one-off.

"Whether we can do anything about it I am not too sure."

Claire Rawlins, the council's anti-social behaviour officer, said: "In relation to the damage and vandalism that was caused to the cemetery, we haven't had any other recurrences at that cemetery and I am not aware of any other cemeteries that have been targeted.

"I know we contacted the police straight away and that the police increased their patrols straight away, in response to that really nasty vandalism."

Cllr Southerd said: "I am relieved that there have been no other occurrences around the district, it was a disgraceful thing to do and clearly moronic actions from certain individuals which hopefully they can be caught at some stage and dealt with."

Derbyshire police say the incident occurred between 10pm on November 3 and 5am on November 4.

One of the destroyed benches was believed to have been installed just weeks before by a grieving family, at the cost of £1,000.

Last month, the family in question pleaded for information on the bench's vandalism.

Shane Guest died at the age of just 42 on June 5, 2006, and his family chose a bench opposite his grave to sit and spend time with him.

His son, Lee, told Staffordshire Live: "We wanted a bench so we could sit and spend time with him and remember all the good times we shared.

"We chose the location for the bench as it was opposite his grave plot.

"My grandad would go down every Sunday to sit with him until he sadly passed away as well.

"The whole family and all of his friends are heartbroken and furious as none of us can believe that any one could smash and disrespect a memorial bench. It is hard to believe what the youth of today will do to other people's property."

Shortly after the incident, Sergeant Tarj Nizzer, of the Swadlincote police safer neighbourhood team, said: "Seeing this happen in our community has sickened me, we will do everything to identify the culprits who have done this despicable act.