Minister slams grave vandals as 'despicable'

And in a bid to stop the ghoulish thugs from adding to the heartache of grieving relatives, Rev. John Cunningham has issued an impassioned plea for the vandalism to stop.

The clergyman has appealed for vandals to keep out of his church grounds at St Patrick's Church of Ireland in Ballymoney.

Rev. Cunningham was speaking after vandals interfered with items lovingly placed on the grave of a woman who was recently interred at the Queen Street cemetery.

Last week a woman hit out at vandals who 'desecrated' her mum's grave when flowers were switched to another grave, a picture was broken and a wreath was torn.

Rev. Cunningham told the Times: "We have had a degree of vandalism in my time here over the last four years and it is very upsetting for relatives.

"I think it is despicable that people find it necessary to so do such things to the graves of people's loved ones.

"I would appeal for vandals to keep out of the graveyard and I would like the public to keep an eye out for anyone acting suspiciously in the graveyard."

In the past he said he has spoken to drinkers who have been in the graveyard and he said they usually move on when asked.

Rev. Cunningham confirmed that in the latest vandalism personal items placed on graves were redistributed around the graveyard and vases were scattered randomly.

He said the items have now been but back and his hope is there will be no repeat of the incidents.

Since we spoke to Rev. Cunningham las t week, there have been new reports of young people causing trouble at St Patrick's graveyard.

A police spokesman in Ballymoney said on Monday: "On Saturday we received reports of youths causing a bit of a disturbance around the graveyard.

"A number of youths have been spoken to by police and we will give the area attention," he said.

Police would like to hear from anyone with information on 08456008000 or phone the Crimetoppers confidential freephone charity number on 0800555111.