A MAN has been jailed for 18 weeks for attempting to steal a plaque from the River of Life memorial.

Spartakas Grachauskas was sentenced at Manchester Magistrates’ Court this morning.

He attempted to break off and steal the commemorative metal plaque from the floor next to McDonald's in Bridge Street.

The plaque has been in place since 1996 and forms part of a tribute to the havoc caused on Bridge Street three years earlier by an IRA bomb.

Tim Parry, aged 12, and Johnathan Ball, aged three, were killed in the blast and Pauline Owen, Johnathan Ball’s aunt, reacted angrily to the verdict.

Mrs Owen, of Duckworth Grove, Padgate, said: “I think it’s a bit short because you don’t know when they are going to do it again. He could try to do it again.

“Something like that is so sentimental to the town and everyone who was hurt and died.

“Johnathan’s nan is in a nursing home and if she knew what was going on it would take her heart – it is a good job she doesn’t understand.”

Grachauskas pleaded guilty to attempting to steal a the plaque belonging to Warrington Borough Council.

He was arrested in the early hours of April 21 in Warrington town centre.

Clr Mike Hannon, deputy leader of Warrington Borough Council, said: “The value of the River of Life memorial to Warrington’s cultural heritage far outweighs its cost in metal and we’re pleased that swift action has been taken against someone who seeks to destroy part of our rich history."

Chief Superintendent Richard Strachan said: “This is an important memorial for the community in Warrington and is part of the town's heritage.

“We hope that this case will serve as a warning to others that those involved in this type of crime will be punished for their actions."

l The thief who stole a second plaque from the memorial, with the names of Tim Parry and Johnathan Ball on, remains at large.

It was taken in a separate incident some time between April 20 and May 5, say police.

Leaders in the town including Peace Centre bosses, politicians and the Bishop of Warrington reacted angrily after the theft came to light earlier this month.

Police have now spoken to four people in connection with the incident but all have now been ruled out.

An arrest has yet to be made. Anyone with information should call police on 101.