Cannon-ymous culprit returns gun 30 years on
A STOLEN 19th century cannon has been returned after 30 years – alongside an apology letter from the ‘ashamed’ culprit.
The 400lb gun was swiped from Tealby, Lincolnshire, where it stood outside the village hall as a World War I memorial, in 1989.
It has reappeared in the same spot with an anonymous letter confessing to an ‘unwitting part’ in the theft. It read: ‘Around 30 years ago, as a youth, I was involved in a shameful act. The one and only crime I have ever committed was to aid some so-called friends in taking your cannon.
‘Being part of this act has troubled me ever since. Please accept my sincere apologies.’
The mystery writer said their friends had hauled the cannon into a truck in which they were a passenger.
They added the person who took possession of the working gun – using it at history events – recently died.
‘I appealed to the good nature of his widow to allow me to have it returned to you,’ explained the letter.
Residents rejoiced over the return of the weapon last month, with one bakery even selling a ‘Tealby cannonball’ teacake. However, another gun which went missing around the same time is still lost. Richard Askam, committee
The cannon and letter of apology chairman at Tealby village hall, said: ‘It seems as though someone’s guilt has finally got the better of them.
‘We have all done stupid things but it’s never too late to make up for it.’
The cannon is now in a ‘secure location’. Mr Askam, 52, would like to see it in its former spot – but said it will need to be fixed to the ground this time.