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Widow Christine Bowe, with her granddaughter Shauna, at her husband's graveside

Grieving widow Christine Bowe has spoken out after her husband's grave was desecrated for the third time in a year.

Mrs Bowe, 48, of Low Lane, Calne, has been left devastated after vandals stole several precious ornaments and even set a bonfire alight on the grave of her husband Tom, who died exactly a year ago on Monday.

Mrs Bowe was planning to visit the grave on the anniversary of his death and light a special lantern, but on arrival found it had been stolen.

Months before a heart shaped floral wreath had been taken from the grave in the Holy Trinity churchyard in Calne.

Mrs Bowe said: "This is absolutely devastating and something I cannot even begin to comprehend.

"This has broken my heart for a second time in a year and is just horrible for my family. Why anyone would steal from a grave is beyond me.

"I have been at the cemetery before now and seen school children as young as seven jumping in a newly dug plot.

"When we saw children setting fire to a paper bonfire it really was the last straw.

"My husband deserves to rest in peace and with all this going on that is something he cannot do.

"It is gut wrenching not being able to take my grandchildren to the grave in fear of what might have happened next. All they want to do is go to the grave and sing songs to their beloved Grampy."

Mr Bowe, who worked for Weatherguard Windows, was a well-known face in the town and became one of the most in demand builders in the area.

He died last March after suffering a heart attack in bed.

The 59-year-old father of two was buried in his builder's clothes and with his favourite trowel in his hand.

His grave is visited almost everyday by his wife, son Justin, 27, daughter Kristy, 23, and granddaughters Shauna, seven, and Natasha, three.

A police spokesman said: "This is a particularly nasty crime and one which is causing huge upset to a family already dealing with grief.

"We would urge anyone with information to come forward so that we can establish exactly what has been going on."

Anyone with information should contact police on 0845 408 7000.

7:33am Friday 4th April 2008

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