Son's grave desecrated (From Barry And District News)

Son's grave desecrated

A BARRY mother has spoken of her devastation after vandals desecrated her son's grave.

Thieves destroyed the final resting place of S&P Construction owner Stephen Phillips who was buried at the town's cemetery on April 8.

His mother June Phillips said: "One of the wreaths laid at Stephen's graveside contained the tools of his trade, a spirit level and a tape measure.

"When I went to the grave last Saturday, to my horror I found that particular wreath had been destroyed.

"Somebody had torn it to pieces to steal the tape measure which they must have known was a good one.

"To steal from a grave is the lowest form of depravity. I cannot believe that anybody would do something so terrible as mutilate a grave.

"This is a relatively trivial thing that has been taken, but it is so hurtful. It has torn me apart. It breaks my heart to go there anyway, but this is sickening. What kind of sick person would do a thing like that?"

Mr Phillips was a popular local man whose death at the age of 49 shocked the community.

A tribute to him published in the Barry and District News on April 29 read: "The flowers, cards and messages were of a magnitude none of us were prepared for and for which we give heartfelt thanks.

"To the many, many people who attended Stephen's funeral, it was an overwhelming sight and reflected the respect and standing he held in the business world in the town.

"Thankyou all so much. Stephen was a unique man, full of life, compassion and love. Few people ever get to meet someone of his stature, but we, the family, were privileged to not only know him, but share in his life. He has left a lasting mark on all our lives which will live on forever."

Cliff Lewis, executive officer at Barry Town Council, said: "This is the first that I or my staff have heard of this incident. It has not been reported to us.

"As a council we deplore any act of vandalism and this is obviously a very emotive area. It is terrible. I do not know how anybody could do it."