Published date: 10 November 2015 |
Published by: Jonathan GrieveRead more articles by Jonathan Grieve
A DISPLAY on a tree planted in memory of a man who died on his 20th birthday has been vandalised.
Matthew Jones, of Johnstown, Wrexham, died in the early hours of November 1 last year after attending a Halloween party at the Academy Skate Park in Oswestry.
The tree, in Heol Kenyon, near to where
Mr Jones used to play football, was decorated with flowers, banners and cards to mark what would have been his 21st birthday.
Friends and family gathered to plant the tree in February this year.
And in May, a plaque has unveiled in his memory at a football fun day held in Heol Kenyon, where Mr Jones’ former club, Johnstown FC, plays.
But at some time between 9am and 5pm on Monday last week, the display on the tree was destroyed, with the memorial items strewn across the ground.
Cllr David A. Bithell, who represents Johnstown and helped arrange the tree planting earlier this year, said
Mr Jones’ friends and family had been upset by the mindless act.
He said: “People in the community are angry that someone has removed some items from the tree which was placed in Matthew’s memory.
“This has upset his family and people close to him. I hope people will be respectful and leave the tree alone because it has been planted in good faith.”
The police are appealing for information.
A force spokesman said: “Between 9am and 5pm on November 2 an offender has strewn flowers, banners and cards attached to a memorial tree. Anyone with information about this incident can call police on 101, quoting reference RC15168830.”
l AN INVESTIGATION into Mr Jones’ death by West Mercia Police is ongoing.
A 39 year-old man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and supplying class A drugs has been rebailed until next month.
An inquest into Mr Jones’ death was opened and adjourned last year.
see - http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/154661/-mindless-act-as-wrexham-memorial-hit-by-vandals.aspx
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