Worse things happen in this sad world but I don’t understand why anybody would remove these precious things from my Jodi’s grave
Outrage as callous yobs swipe murdered schoolgirl’s birthday bear
THE mother of murdered teenager Jodi Jones has hit out at thieves who stole a special bear from her daughter’s grave.
Judy revealed that over the years, several items have been taken from the 14-year-old’s final resting place.
In the latest theft, a bear that the mum only takes to Jodi’s grave on her birthday and on the anniversary of her death was swiped.
Writing on Facebook, Judy said: “Really upset about this.
“It’s only a bear – far worse things go on in this sad world and the bear will be replaced. Sadly, though, like the other items, there is a good chance they will only to be stolen again.”
Speaking about the thieves, the mum went on: “This may not affect their conscience just now but hopefully they (if young) will grow up and realise the pain this type of action can cause.”
Jodi, 14, went missing after going to meet her boyfriend Luke Mitchell, then 16, in June 2003. Hours later, her mutilated body was found close to her home in Easthouses, near Dalkeith, in Midlothian.
In 2005, Mitchell was found guilty of murdering Jodi and ordered to spend at least 20 years behind bars.
Jodi was laid to rest at Gorebridge Cemetery, Midlothian.
In her Facebook post, Judy said the grave has been targeted by thieves several times. One yob removed a collection of teddy bears.
The mum wrote: ‘I don’t usually put posts up like this, in fact, never. Over time, sadly things have been removed from Jodi’s grave.
“One time, her whole collection of Me to You Bears was removed and placed on someone else’s
grave. Had a little chuckle at that due to being watched whilst I lifted and replaced them.
“Thinking kids? The truth is, though, these aren’t bairns as such. Obviously, of an age to be up there away from any parents.
“Other items have been removed from her bench, such as plant pots. Why? I don’t know.
“One of her friends left a lovely necklace in a beautiful little box. The box was ripped open and left and the necklace taken.”
Beside a picture of the stolen bear, which Judy discovered was stolen the day after she had placed it on the grave, she wrote: “The bear in the pic is one I got for her birthday and only take it up at that time and on her anniversary.”
Friends on social media expressed their disgust at the thieves.
One wrote: ‘So disrespectful. Some people have no conscience. That is you and your family’s place of remembrance to share in thoughts of the joy you once had with your beautiful daughter.” Another said: “Why are people so horrible? Absolutely heartbreaking. Hope they realise what they are doing but in this world, I doubt it.” Jodi’s murder shocked Scotland and beyond. Her hands had been tied behind her back, her throat cut and her body repeatedly slashed. Mitchell, who was a fourth-year-pupil at St David’s High School, Dalkeith, when he killed Jodi, continues to protest his innocence. He has launched several unsuccessful appeals.
One of her friends left a necklace in a little box. The box was ripped open and the necklace taken JODI’S MUM JUDY ON THEFTS