04/05/2006

Grave theft body identified

Remains found by officers in woodland near Hednesford yesterday have been confirmed as those of pensioner whose body was stolen by animal rights activists.

The body of Gladys Hammond was stolen from her grave by animal rights activists in 2004. She was the mother-in-law of one of the co-owners of Darley Oaks Farm, which bred guinea pigs for medical research.

The farm, in Newchurch, Staffordshire, had been the target of a six-year intimidation campaign by animal rights activists. It ceased breeding guinea pigs in January.

The body of Mrs Hammond was found on Tuesday, as the result of further information received about the grave robbery.

In a statement on Thursday, Staffordshire Police said: "Although further DNA tests have still to be carried out to confirm identity, detectives are satisfied that the body recovered is that of Gladys Hammond."

Four people are due to be sentenced next week, after pleading guilty to conspiring to blackmail the Hall family last month.

(KMcA)

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