Plaque commemorating murdered gay bar manager reported stolen

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A plaque commemorating a gay, bar manager who was brutally beaten and murdered in 2005, has been reported stolen.

The commemorative plaque, which was unveiled in 2012, was put in place to honour Jody Dobrowski, who was murdered in 2006. It was reported stolen at 8.30am on 20 June, but it is unclear when it actually went missing, reports the Wandsworth Guardian.

Thomas Pickford, 26, unemployed, of no fixed address and Scott Walker, 33, a decorator from the Clapham area, in 2006 pleaded guilty to the murder of Dobrowski, and were each given a life sentence, with a recommendation that they serve at least 28 years in prison.

Detective Chief Inspector Jim Foley said: “We are keeping an open mind about the motive behind this theft.”

“There have been previous thefts of plaques in London by people seeking to benefit from their scrap metal value,” continued Chief Inspector Foley.

“However we are mindful of the significance of this particular plaque to the local LGBT community and will seek to identify what the thieves true motive might be.

“Either way, this is a deplorable and insensitive crime which we will investigate to the fullest extent.”

David Robson, chair of the Wandsworth LGBT Forum, said: “We are shocked and saddened to hear about this despicable act and condemn the disrespect shown by those responsible.

“We are working with the police and hope that those responsible are identified and brought to justice.”

Those with information relating to the theft can contact police by dialling 101, or can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

In April, the memorial plaque installed to commemorate the victims of a nail bomb at central London pub the Admiral Duncan, was also reported stolen.