Baby's grave desecrated twice by yobs

Aug 21 2007 By Paul Bradley, Birmingham Mail

A MOTHER whose newborn baby lived for just 70 minutes today appealed for help to catch thieves who twice vandalised her child's grave.

Stacie Henderson, aged 20, of Cyprus Avenue, Redditch, buried her only son, Mason, just four weeks ago.

But little Mason's grave, at Bordesley Lane Cemetery, was targeted by vandals who stole three sentimental statues leaving grieving family members heartbroken.

Today distraught Stacie bravely told how she wanted the spineless vandals to be caught so she can grieve in peace for her "perfect little boy''.

Stacie, who has been supported by her boyfriend and Mason's father Neil Richards, aged 19, said: "I am suffering enough from losing my baby but to have his toys and stuff pinched just breaks my heart.

''In just three weeks someone has attacked his grave twice, stealing Shrek and Peter Rabbit statues.

''They just don't know how much pain and hurt they are putting us through, especially as we are still grieving.

''I have visions of coming to Mason's grave and finding a hole and that he has gone.

''It is disgusting that someone can steal from a baby's grave.

''I don't know how they can sleep at night.''

Born 16 weeks premature, Mason survived for just over an hour. Mum Stacie, cradled her first-born child in her arms just moments before he died.

Family and friends are now trying to help Stacie and Neil get over their tragic ordeal.

Mason's grandmother, Karen Henderson, said: "This is so upsetting it rips your heart out.

''We wanted to put a formal headstone up but we are scared that it will be vandalised too.

''We appeal to anyone who has information about this crime to tell the police.''

Andy Forbes, of Redditch Police, said: "It's obviously deeply upsetting for anyone to have this happen to them at all, let alone twice, and it's a pretty despicable crime.

''This is a place for the mother and her family to grieve and whoever has stolen these items obviously has no respect for that.''

Anyone who has information about this crime should call police on 08457 444 888.