A man has been charged for allegeldy stealing flowers that were laid to commemorate the tragic death of Manchester teen Jack Essex.
Hantouli Raid, 37, of Whitworth Street, Manchester, has been charged with theft and will appear before Manchester City Magistrates’ Court on March 31.
A number of bouquets were snatched from the Canal Street memorial at around 5.50am on Saturday February 7, set up in honour of 18-year-old Jack, who had died only a week earlier after being hit by a lorry on Portland Street in Manchester city centre.
Described as a ‘lovely bright boy’ by his mum in an emotional tribute after his death, Jack died after suffering serious head injuries in the tragic accident.
It was Jack’s partner Tony Cooper, who runs Via Vossa bar, who noticed that some of the flowers were missing and alerted the police.
Inspector Phil Spurgeon said: “The public response to our appeal was overwhelming and following information we received, officers were able to arrest a man who has now been charged with an offence of theft.
“As this matter will now be subject to court proceedings, Greater Manchester Police is unable to comment further but I would like to thank everyone who came forward to us with information.”
Image courtesy of GMP, with thanks.
