Man cleared of vandalising police memorials

A tribute to Sgt John Speed, who died in 1984, was daubed with black paint in January

A man has been cleared of vandalising memorials dedicated to two murdered police officers in Leeds.

Tributes to PCs Ian Broadhurst and John Speed were daubed with black paint on 25 January this year, while a floral tribute at one of the memorials had been "kicked and thrown about", Leeds Magistrates' Court heard.

Jonathan Enoch, 57, was cleared of two counts of criminal damage following a trial at the court on Friday, having denied being involved in either incident.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Enoch said he was "glad" the proceedings were "all over" and expressed sympathy for the families of the two fallen officers.

PC Broadhurst died after being shot in the head and chest by former US marine David Bieber on Boxing Day 2003, while Sgt Speed was shot dead near Leeds Minster in 1984.

CCTV footage played to the court showed an indistinguishable figure in dark clothing bending down close to the memorial to PC Broadhurst in Gipton, on the evening the police said the damage was caused.

The prosecution claimed a Harrogate Town-branded bobble hat and coat they said were owned by Mr Enoch matched those worn by a man in a separate CCTV image, who was seen walking past a Post Office on Dib Lane on the same evening.

It was claimed the defendant had taken a taxi after drinking in the nearby Orchard pub to Kirkgate in the city centre. It was suggested he had then visited the Lamb and Flag pub before later vandalising the nearby memorial to Sgt Speed.

Mr Enoch was cleared of both charges at Leeds Magistrates' Court

The prosecution did not suggest a motive for the vandalism, while a can of spray paint seized from Mr Enoch's home after his arrest was white.

One eye-witness, whose statement was read to the court, said they had seen a "young lad" kicking the flowers by the memorial to PC Broadhurst.

The court was told Mr Enoch, who chose not to give evidence in court, denied committing any offence in his police interview after his arrest, but provided "no comment" to further questions.

Chairman of the bench, Adrian Garner, said magistrates could "not be sure" the damage to PC Broadhurst's memorial was caused by Mr Enoch.

He added there was "no evidence" linking him to the damage caused to PC Speed's memorial on Kirkgate.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Enoch, from Moortown, told the BBC: "I'm just glad it's all over. This has been going on all year and it's been horrendous.

"I was out drinking in the pubs, but I wasn't in the vicinity of either of these incidents.

"I just felt very, very sorry for the families (of PC Broadhurst and Sgt Speed) and the people who have been hurt by what was done.

"I've no grudge against the police.

"They've just been unsuccessful in finding who did it.

"Maybe I looked like I was an easy target."

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