Vile yobs attacked ‘hero’ soldier son’s memorial

Vandals attacked the memorial plaque to hero soldier Louis Carter (Image: CoventryLive)Vandals have “attacked” and defaced a memorial, dedicated to a young heroic soldier. The yobs daubed a graffiti tag on a plaque to teenage soldier Louis Carter, who lost his life in Afghanistan in August 2009.According to Coventry Live, Louis’ brother – Sam – found the graffiti in Riversley Park on Sunday and had to break the news to his mum, Denise, who was tending to Louis’ grave. She was laying poppies ahead of Remembrance Sunday.She told Coventry Live: “He (Sam) was so upset. He said ‘Mum, I have to tell you something, they have done something to Louis’ plaque’. He took a photo of it and sent it to me and my heart just sank. It is just pointless vandalism.”They must have never lost a loved one. Sam was so upset to have found it. That’s what hurts the most.”I don’t know why they would do it. I forgive them though. You have to think of their lives and what sort of people they are. They obviously don’t know what they are doing.”Teen soldier Louis Carter not only had a tree planted in his honour but also had the play area in Riversley Park named after him. It was officially opened in October 2010 and was chosen because Riversley Park was a special place for the teen.He spent most of his childhood playing there. Police are aware of the incident and have appealed to anyone who has any information to call 101 or the Crimestoppers hotline, which is free to call from a landline and confidential, on 0800 555 111.Denise moved away from her hometown but comes back to see her family, as well as to take part in the annual Nuneaton Remembrance Service and Parade as well as Bedworth Armistice Day. Murray Richards, Nuneaton Remembrance Service Parade marshal, cleaned up the memorial, which is next to a tree planted in Louis’ memory, ahead of the event today.Sadly, as it had to be scrubbed off, some of the lettering on the plaque now cannot be seen. The vandalism has angered the local armed forces community. Mr Richards said: “God help them if I get my hands on them.”