Yob caught on CCTV snapping trees planted in war memorial

A yob who bent and snapped trees planted in memory of a school’s war dead has appeared in court to admit the offence.

Jordan West, 27, was caught on CCTV damaging five of the seven memorial cherry trees in the quad at Loughborough Grammar School. 

West, of Vernon Avenue, Beeston, Nottinghamshire, appeared at Leicester Magistrate’s Court and pleaded guilty to the offence of criminal damage.

He was given a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £500 compensation to the school, Leicestershire Police said.

The footage showed West on the A6, Leicester Road at 9.25pm on Friday, August 25 before he made his way on to school premises.

After causing the damage, he scaled high railings before running away.

People commenting on Facebook at the time were united in their condemnation of the incident.

Peter Bright posted: ‘Serious punishment needs giving for this. Sad fact is that he will probably get off with a fine.’

Jordan West, 27, from Beeston, Nottinghamshire, was caught on CCTV snapping and bending trees which had been planted in memory of students and staff who died in the First World War

West pleaded guilty to the offence of criminal damage. He was ordered to pay £500 compensation to the school, and was given a 12 month conditional discharge

West pleaded guilty to the offence of criminal damage. He was ordered to pay £500 compensation to the school, and was given a 12 month conditional discharge

Rebecca Warrington wrote: ‘That is just mindless and stupid. Although sums up the intellect of more than a few members of society today.’

Paul Boyd posted: ‘I can’t for the life of me understand why someone would go out of their way to do that. I really hope he’s caught and given a darn sight more than a slap on the wrist.’ 

Jorge Hills posted: ‘This is heartbreaking, and very maddening.’

Following the conviction, Jane Harker, director of development and external relations at Loughborough Endowed Schools, said: ‘We are grateful to the local community and Leicestershire Police for their help in bringing this matter to a conclusion.’

'A constant reminder to all of the sacrifice they made': Loughborough Grammar School were devastated by the damage to the cherry trees

‘A constant reminder to all of the sacrifice they made’: Loughborough Grammar School were devastated by the damage to the cherry trees

At the time of the vandalism, she said: ‘The trees are very precious to everyone in the school community.

‘Each has, at its base, a plaque which carries the name of fallen pupils.

‘Their presence in the quad, at the heart of school life, serves as a constant reminder to all of the sacrifice they made.

‘To see them snapped at their bases and lying on the ground is devastating.’

The school was overwhelmed by offers of sympathy and support in the wake of West’s crime.

'Just mindless and stupid': Facebook users were furious at the damage to the trees in Loughborough

‘Just mindless and stupid’: Facebook users were furious at the damage to the trees in Loughborough

Last month, the school hosted an emotional Remembrance Day service at which it was able to ‘rededicate’ newly planted trees.

A school spokesperson said after the service: ‘The memorial has stood since the Great War in remembrance of former pupils and staff who lost their lives in conflict.’

‘The school was overwhelmed by offers of sympathy and support and a number of nurseries contacted the school to offer replacements.’

Clint Barratt, tree production manager for Thurnby-based James Coles Nurseries, told the Leicester Mercury: ‘I wanted to help the school out to plant some new trees and say to the guy who did it that we’re not going to be beaten.’



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