War veterans’ plaques vandal is spared prison
AHOMELESS man who destroyed plaques in memory of those who died in the Second World War has been spared an immediate prison sentence.
Neil Smart vandalised the new memorial garden in Castle Park in Bristol on April 7, causing ‘devastation’ for a group of Normandy veterans who had worked tirelessly to create it.
The 41-year-old was sentenced to 18 days in prison, suspended for one year, after admitting to criminal damage at Bristol Magistrates’ Court this week.
He was also ordered to pay £200 compensation.
Vice-chairman of the Normandy veterans, based in Bristol, Paul Turner, said Smart’s action caused a lot of heartache for struggling members.
Police are attempting to arrange a rehabilitation scheme between Mr Turner and Smart, where the two may meet and discuss the crime.
“I’m open-minded to it,” said Mr Turner, aged 72. “It’s a sad state of affairs. It was such a mindless act on his part.
“You can’t imagine what motivates someone to do something like that. He didn’t have anything to take away from it.
“He caused a lot of heartache, our members were absolutely devastated. They had put in so much time and service, then suddenly you get a call from the police. It’s awfully sad circumstances.”
Three of the group’s members died during lockdown; none was caused by Covid-19.
But one of the men’s dying wishes was to be buried with a guard of honour from other veterans.
“We weren’t able to do it,” said Mr
Turner. “Only ten people were allowed to his funeral.
“This man has just made a very sad time even harder by his actions.”
The group is attempting to raise £250 to replace the plaques. Bosses at Morrisons have offered to collect money for them at the Cribbs Causeway store while veterans are unable to attend.
“They have been so kind,” said Mr Turner. “I couldn’t safely send any of our veterans in. It’s a bad time to be trying to fundraise.”
The Normandy memorial located at Castle Park is a beautiful spot for Bristolians to sit, relax and take in the surroundings.
And impressively, veterans who look after this garden are 95 years old or older.
April’s vandalism was the second time the memorial had been targeted, after two plaques were stolen back in September 2019.