THE family of a girl who died at 17 have spoken of their anger after her grave was vandalised – for the third time.
Eliese Argyle, of Bestwood Park, died of cystic fibrosis in March last year.
But her grave at Newstead Cemetery has been targeted by vandals – the latest attack over the weekend saw small statues and mementoes smashed and lanterns moved on to another grave.
The mother of Eliese, Emma Argyle, 37, of Hairwood Close, Radcliffe-on-Trent, said: "I was so shocked when I found her grave in that state. I was heartbroken, absolutely devastated. I wanted to be sick.
"Why would anyone do such a thing? This should be a place where we can mourn in peace and feel close to our daughter. It is not the first time this has happened and it drains me emotionally and physically.
"Eliese went through enough pain in her life. She should be able to rest in peace."
Last year photographs of Eliese were removed from her grave, which the family replaced.
Adan Barkes, then 39, of The Quadrangle, Newstead Village, later pleaded guilty to three counts of theft at Nottingham Magistrates' Court, and was sentenced to eight weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and given a 12-month community order.
Then after a similar incident in July this year, a 40-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft, but was later released without charge.
"We just want it to stop," Mrs Argyle added. "I'm scared someone is creeping around at the cemetery. I had to take my dog with me last time I went.
"And all of this comes on top of having to deal with the pain of having lost our child."
Mrs Argyle was told about the latest incident by her sister-in-law, Anna McKinnon, 45, of Bembridge Drive, Bestwood Park, who visited the grave on Sunday morning with Mrs Argyle's parents, Annie, 71, and David Argyle, 74.
Eliese's father Eddy, 48, said: "These attacks are mind-numbing."
He said that on the most recent occasion a handful of other graves had been vandalised.
Eliese is buried at Newstead Cemetery next to her friend Chloe Cotton, who died aged 12, also from cystic fibrosis.
Police are investigating the latest incident but no arrests have been made. Anyone with information is asked to contact them on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
