A "despicable act"

Sunday 10 May 2020

Guernsey Police have launched an appeal after a member of the public reported the "destruction" of the Liberation Day wreath laid by the Bailiff just hours earlier.

Sir Richard Collas placed the wreath at the island's main War Memorial at the top of Smith Street yesterday.

Usually there would be many people there to share in the solemnity of the occasion, with court officials and island dignataries parading to the War Memorial to honour those who died during the Occupation and Second World War. 

As the island remains in lockdown, the Bailiff was filmed placing the wreath by himself. Sir Richard recorded a moving voice over explaining what he was doing and why.

The wreath he placed yesterday was designed to look like a Guernsey Flag. In the video shared yesterday, Sir Richard explained why that is.

Within 24 hours of the Bailiff laying the wreath at the War Memorial, it was found in pieces on Lefebvre Street.

Guernsey Police issued an appeal shortly after asking for anyone with any information to contact the police station on 725111 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A police spokesman said "we share your outrage about this despicable act". 

Pictured top: The damaged wreath. Picture supplied by Kim Bougourd.