Man steals flowers from the Glade of Light Memorial

A 64-year-old man has pleaded guilty to two charges of theft from the Glade of Light memorial in Manchester.

The memorial, which was officially opened by Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine, on the 10 May 2022, is a white marble halo bearing the names of those killed in the May 2017 terrorist attack.

On 20 January 2022 Pavel Smejkal of Moss Side, Manchester, was seen by Council CCTV operators approach the memorial around 3.30am and take some flowers from the site. The police were contacted and apprehended Smejkal later that morning.

In interview Smejkal admitted he had taken the flowers, claiming not to have known that it was a memorial. He also admitted taking flowers previously on 18 January.

He was very apologetic, saying he was very sorry and did not mean any harm.

He admitted his guilt at court but persisted with his claims not to know that it was a memorial. His explanation was rejected by the court and he was sentenced on 26 May 2023 to a 12-month community order and he must complete 120 hours of unpaid work.

Danielle Allanson, District Crown Prosecutor at CPS North West, said: “The memorial is an important tribute for Manchester and the families of those who tragically lost their lives in the terrorist attack six years ago.

“I am appalled that anyone would steal flowers from a memorial.

“The CPS will robustly prosecute those who commit appalling offences such as this.”