EMBARGOED UNTIL 16.00 MON 26 FEB 2007 Issued by

YOXALL GRAVE DESECRATION TEAM COMMENDED

Detectives and police staff responsible for successfully concluding one of the most high profile cases the force has investigated in recent years will receive commendations on Monday (26 February 2007).

Chief will present the awards at force headquarters in to the Yoxall grave desecration investigation team.

The desecration of Gladys Hammond’s grave in St Peter’s churchyard, Yoxall in October 2004 shocked the nation.

Staffordshire Police declared it a critical incident because of the community impact, wide-scale media attention and affect upon the business community.

Following a complex investigation, four animal rights extremists were jailed for a total of 40 years in May 2006 for their part in a relentless hate campaign against the Hall family who owned Darley Oaks Farm in Newchurch.

), from from and from were each handed 12 year sentences. also from was jailed for four years.

They were leading figures in the campaign against the Halls which caused national outrage in October 2004 with the theft of the body of Gladys Hammond, Chris Hall’s mother-in-law, from her grave in Yoxall.

Between October 2004 and May 2006, incident room officers: • took 2,114 statements • traced and interviewed 698 witnesses • gathered & documented 3,413 exhibits • prepared 100,000 A4 Documents for trial.

(mf) TELEPHONE 01785 234864 FAX 01785 232369 NEWSLINE 01785 232525 www..police.uk p 2 of 3/Yoxall commendations

The incident room was staffed by 15 officers and five police staff members.

In total the investigation cost £839,663, including a £302,487 forensic bill. At least half of the overall cost was met by the .

The grave desecration was the first of its kind encountered by Staffordshire or any other police force, representing a water mark in animal rights extremism. The investigation resulted in the first charge of its kind against animal rights extremists - conspiracy to blackmail. John Reid described the enquiry as “…one of the most robust and determined investigations ever undertaken by the police service into animal rights extremists, and an example for other forces to follow.”

Recipients of Chief Constable’s commendations will include:

Superintendent Nicholas Baker – currently deputy divisional commander for North Staffordshire division DI – Major Investigations Department (MID), Water Street DI - MID, Water Street DS - MID, Sgt - , Chase Division DC - MID, Lichfield DC - MID, Lichfield DC - MID, Weston Road DC - MID, Weston Road DC - MID, Lichfield DC - MID, Water Street DC - MID, Water Street DC - Crime and Operational Support group DC - MID, Water Street DC - HQ - MID, Lichfield ), Stafford , HQ HQ

A Chief Constable’s Team Commendation will be awarded to the force’s Environmental Protest Unit for its support and expertise during the investigation.

During the investigation, Staffordshire Police was supported by colleagues from other forces including , Gloucester Constabulary, Greater Manchester Police, Leicester Constabulary, the , , and Police.

Officers from these forces will also be commended by the Chief Constable. (mf) TELEPHONE 01785 234864 FAX 01785 232369 NEWSLINE 01785 232525 www.staffordshire.police.uk

Ends

Media note: Media representatives who would like to attend are asked to report to HQ reception, in Road, Stafford, at 3.45pm on Monday and ask for There will then be an opportunity to interview Chief Constable Supt Nick Baker, who led the Yoxall enquiry, and, possibly, other members of the investigation team. A photo opportunity will also be available.

TELEPHONE 01785 234864 FAX 01785 232369 NEWSLINE 01785 232525 www.staffordshire.police.uk