Desecration in cemetery (From Stroud News and Journal)

Desecration in cemetery

A WIDOW is distraught after yobs rampaged through a cemetery, destroying the grave of her late husband.

Carmel Muller, 80, was horrified to learn from a friend that the headstone of Ted, a much-loved grandfather who died in 1991, had been toppled.

Mrs Muller said: "The headstone is down on its face and the steel rods that support it have been bent right over.

"I was so upset I couldn't even bear to go up and see it myself."

The news came just days before the funeral of her niece, 73 year-old Mary Elizabeth Baker.

Mrs Muller said: "My niece's funeral was on Tuesday. If she hadn't called I would have seen it when I went there for the funeral and I would have been devastated.

"Something's got to be done. It's terrible.

"I am 80 years old and the money to repair this will have to come out of my own pocket."

The incident comes just weeks after a father pushing his one year-old daughter was mugged by three men at the Daisybank Cemetery on Bisley Old Road (SNJ, June 22) .

Other families have also seen their loved ones' graves destroyed by hooligans.

John Sutton, 62, was angry to discover that the headstone of his uncle, 76-year-old Robert Elton, had also been vandalised.

Mr Sutton, who has vowed to repair it himself, said: "He was a big family man. He didn't have his own children and he devoted his life to mine.

"What I think about the people who did this is unprintable."

Stroud Town Council is now considering erecting bollards to prevent vehicles entering the cemetery, after tyre marks were reported to police following the incident. CCTV cameras are also a possibility.

Cllr John Marjoram said: "The strength required to bend those steel bars is so immense - you have got to think about the reason people would want to do this.

"I think alienation from the community is one problem. It's just the whole question of respect for those who have passed away."

Gloucestershire police also intend to increase their presence in the area, and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0845 0901234.