Item stolen from teen's memorial garden returned

Ornaments stolen from a memorial garden dedicated to a 15-year-old girl from Sandwell have been returned.

Two men, aged 31 and 42, have been convicted of stealing the sentimental items, with one returning some of the tributes after hearing the family's victim impact statement in court.

Ruby, who lived in Smethwick, died in March 2024 due to a pre-existing health condition, said West Midlands Police.

Her family, who created the memorial with items she helped make, said they were "devastated" after the theft took place outside their home in April.

West Midlands Police said the Smethwick neighbourhood team were alerted to the theft and immediately set about trying to trace the items and who took them.

Officers said they identified the two suspects and arrested them. The pair were charged with theft and have since admitted the offence.

PC Matt Bourne, said: "We were all gutted when we heard what had happened to Ruby's memorial garden.

"It's already been an incredibly tough time for her family and we were determined to find and get the sentimental ornaments back.

"When the men first appeared at court, the victim impact statement was read out and it expressed the devastation felt by the family.

"This led to one of the men handing the items over to us so we could return them to their rightful owners."

The two men will be sentenced at Dudley Magistrates Court in August.

Ruby's mother Gemma said: "The memorial garden is our way of remembering Ruby as it consists of things which were special to her and us. It means so much to us all."

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