Woman jailed over war plaque

The spot from which the first World War memorial plaque was stolen at St Mary the Virgin Church in Lewisham. Photograph: PA

A woman was jailed for 120 days today for stealing a first World War memorial plaque belonging to a church.

Lana Clitheroe (42), of Dundalk Road, Brockley, south-east London, had admitted the theft at an earlier hearing, a court official said.

Her co-defendant, Paul Kelly (42), of Ennerdale Road, Lewisham, south-east London, also pleaded guilty but will be sentenced at a later date.

The bronze plaque, which was of unknown value, was stolen from St Mary’s Church in Lewisham High Street on October 19th last year.

It belonged to the church and has never been found.

Police have said the historical and emotional value of the memorial, to friends and relatives of the fallen soldiers, is incalculable.

The pair appeared at Bromley Magistrates’ Court today where Kelly had his sentencing adjourned to Inner London Crown Court on an unfixed date.

He was remanded in custody.

PA 

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