TWO men who stole a plaque from the River of Life memorial have apologised for the theft.

The pair, aged 57 and 29, met with family members of IRA bomb victim Tim Parry to explain their actions.

During the meeting at the Town Hall on Tuesday with relatives, borough council officials and police, the 29-year-old Newton-Le-Willows resident admitted removing the plaque after drinking in the town centre. He dropped it and left the scene.

It was then picked up by the 57-year-old Warrington resident who kept it at his home address.

He handed it over when Cheshire Police officers located him.

The men were arrested in June after an appeal in the Warrington Guardian.

They cannot be named after discussions between police, Warrington Borough Council and Colin and Wendy Parry, parents of Tim, decided that restorative justice would be used.

In a statement the Parry family said: ""We valued the opportunity to meet the two people who removed the plaque from the scene of the 1993 IRA bombing of Warrington.

"It enabled us to express in very frank terms just how disappointed and saddened we were by their thoughtless acts, especially as they both live locally.

"Both displayed remorse and regret for their actions and accepted with good grace the community based punishment suggested by ourselves and supported by the councillors present.

"We were able to inform them of the importance of the work of our foundation and to help them appreciate that we need support and not mindless acts of vandalism if we are to continue to build the good reputation of the town and its residents.

"Today we witnessed Restorative Justice in action and we feel it was the most appropriate course of action available to us taking account of all those involved and affected."

Following the meeting Chf Sup Richard Strachan said: “This brings offenders face-to-face with the victims of their crime and allows them to talk about what they have done and why they did it.

“They then listen to the full impact of their crime on their victims and apologise.

“It puts the needs of the victim first as it allows them to be directly involved in the punishment of the offenders.

“This is not an easy option.

“Many offenders find it difficult to take responsibility and face up to the impact of their crimes.

“Listening to the victim’s side of the story and hearing the impact it has had on them can also be an uncomfortable experience for the offender.”

Clr Terry O’Neill, leader of Warrington Borough Council, said: “What has happened here today sends a clear message to anyone who thinks they can commit vandalism in Warrington that they can't - we'll always take action to protect and promote our communities and assets.”

The 57-year-old has agreed to carry out four days of community service, while the 29-year-old has offered to raise money for the Tim Parry Jonathan Ball Foundation For Peace.

If either man fails to complete this work, then more formal action will be taken, police say .