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Remains of OAP 'stolen in protest'
Oct 11 2004
Detectives investigating the desecration of an 82-year-old Midlands womans grave today revealed most of her remains were stolen.
Staffordshire Police disclosed that at least two people were involved in digging up the grave of Gladys Hammond - whose family had been targeted by animal rights extremists - in St Peters Church, Yoxall.
Detective Chief Inspector Nicholas Baker told a press conference in Stafford that officers were keeping an open mind about the motive for the crime, but were focusing on the obvious line of inquiry that animal rights protesters were responsible.
He said: Its difficult to find words to describe whats taken place at St Peters Church. Its beyond anyones understanding of morality and decency.
Most of the remains of Gladys Hammond are missing and we can only presume that those persons responsible for the desecration have taken the remains.
Although we are maintaining an open mind, one obvious line of inquiry has to be the connection with the Hall family. Mrs Hammond, who died in 1997, was the mother-inlaw of one of two brothers who run Darley Oaks Farm in Newchurch, Stafford-shire, where guinea pigs are bred for medical research.
The Hall family have been subjected to a long-running campaign by animal rights activists, suffering hate mail, malicious phone calls, hoax bombs, a paedophile smear campaign and arson attacks.
This incident has gone far beyond anybodys under-standing of what constitutes a protest, Mr Baker said.
I have never experienced anything like this. Its very difficult to try and rationalise whats taken place.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the incident room at Stafford on 01785 218680 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
