downsmail.co.uk


Tribute stolen fromgrave of former soldier Titch


THE family of an ex-serviceman who died in tragic circumstances are devastated after ornamental poppies they left on his gravewere stolen. Titch O’Sullivan was killed in an


accident during the Sutton Valence pramrace in January 2017, andwas laid to rest in the churchyard at St Nicholas in Leeds, in a plot he shareswith his brother and father. His sister Jeanette Gribben had


bought two metal poppies and placed themon his grave earlier this year, but when another family member went to visit the grave in March, they had been taken. Titch’smumKathleenO’ Sullivan


was shocked by the incident. “I am very upset,” she said. “It’s


not the cost of the poppies, it’s the principle. I can’t understand why anyone would want to do some- thing like this. “My sonwas a hero, hewas in the


armed forces and that’swhywe put themthere, and then someone goes and takes them. “I amabsolutely devastated.”


Kathleen O’Sullivan, left, and Jeanette Gribben at the grave


Mrs Gribben, who lives in Scot-


land, visited the grave with her mum and added: “I was very close to my brother and I thought the poppies were a perfect tribute to him. It’s very upsetting that they have been taken.”


Titch,whose real namewas Fran-


cis, was 52 when he died in the crash during the race last year. Rev Steve Hughes was appalled


at the incident. “It shows a complete lack of re-


spect,” he said. “It’s a horrible crime and I feel so sorry for these ladies who have lost their son and brother and then are having to deal with this aswell. “It’s the first one I’ve heard of in


this churchyard and it’s appalling.” Kent Police have been in contact


withMrs O’Sullivan.A spokesman said: “Kent Police received a report that the poppies were stolen from beside a grave at St Nicholas’ Church in Lower Street between 4.30pmon Saturday, 24March and 2.19pmonMonday, 26March. “Anyone who has any informa-


tion thatmay help the investigation is asked to contact Kent Police on 01634 604100 quoting reference YY/010082/18. “Alternatively, they can contact


Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”


News Bike robbery


A TEENAGE boy was robbed of his bike and threatened with a knife by three other youths in Maidstone. TThe victimwas cycling in park-


land next to Mallards Way in Downswood between 6.30pm and 6.45pm on Friday, April 20, when he was approached by the three youths, who were also with two girls aged around 16. Two of the teenage boys grabbed


the victim’s arms while the third stole his bicycle. He was also as- saulted and threatened with a knife.


Plant bargains A PLANT sale will be held at St Nicholas Church, Otham, from 10.30amto 1.30pmonMay 26. It is an opportunity to buy bed-


ding plants, veg, shrubs, perenni- als and indoor plants. There will also be a raffle and refreshments.


Russian date RUSSIANsingers Lyra are hosting a concert atAll Saints’ Church, Ul- combe, at 2.30pmonMay 12. It will include chants fromRuss-


ian Orthodox Church music and traditional folk songs as well as a creamtea.


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