Grave tarred and feathered at Crebilly

It is understood police are treating the desecration of the late Brenda Graham’s grave at Crebilly Cemetery as a hate crime. Whoever was behind the attack damaged the headstone and removed and broke ornaments, among them Mothers’s Day tributes from Brenda’s two daughters, Keighlea (16) and Jessica (9).

Brenda’s sister, Brona Graham, told The Times: “Whoever did this completely depersonalised her grave - it was shocking to see, very disturbing. Hers was the only one targetted and some sort of oily tar and feathers had been poured over the grave - there were feathers everywhere”.

She and other members of the family, including Brenda’s twin brother, were called to the scene after the damage was discovered on Tuesday morning and spent hours trying to restore the plot to normality.

“Thankfully the girls (Keighlea and Jessica) didn’t see the state it was in. We broke the news to them as gently as possible.

“Brenda’s death in June last year left our family devastated and her two young daughters are still struggling to adjust to life without their mum,” said Brona.

“We can think of no reason why anyone should wish to do this to Brenda’s grave as she was a loving, caring person who lived life for her daughters”.

Brona added that the family decided to make public the extent of the vandalism in a bid to help the police investigation.

“We’re hoping to prick someone’s conscience,” she said.

“The photograph shows the extent that those responsible went to in order to cause unimaginable levels of distress to all who pay their respects at Brenda’s resting place.

“We just don’t get it. We just don’t understand who would have done this to Brenda’s grave or why. She died 10 months ago and she didn’t have any enemies. Why would someone do this now or do it at all?”

The family are appealing to anyone with information about the desecration of Brenda’s grave on Monday, March 26, to contact the police, giving the crime reference number 538 27-03-2012.

The number to ring 0845 600 8000, or, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.