A DISTRAUGHT mother is appealing to the conscience of thieves who stole trees planted on land where her son's ashes are scattered.

Jason Gott died in June 1994 after collapsing at work while moving farm machinery.

The 22-year-old had been suffering from a heart condition.

His mother Sandra, father Edward and sister Samantha decided to scatter his ashes on a patch of land near the family farm in Cowling and plant trees at the spot.

But the living memorial has been hit by thieves twice in the last few months, leaving the family both angry and upset.

"I just want them to leave it alone," Mrs Gott told the Herald.

The family took the step of scattering his ashes near his home at Thornesfield Farm and planting the trees so they would have something to remember him by.

"We felt that this way he would be closer to home and we would have somewhere quiet to go. It seemed to be best," added Mrs Gott.

"We chose a spot which was out of the way and away from the road so people wouldn't disturb it."

But thieves struck for the first time last November, when they uprooted and made off with several trees.

The Gott family put a passionate piece in the Cowling village newsletter urging people to respect the site.

However, on Sunday the family was horrified to discover yet more trees had been taken.

"When the trees were stolen in November the parish council came and planted another four," said Mrs Gott.

"But some more were stolen this weekend and all I want people to do is just leave them alone."

Mrs Gott added that if the thieves were to return the stolen trees the family would be prepared not to take any further action.

Sgt Steve Scott, from Skipton Police, commented: "The perpetrators probably didn't realise the significance of these trees when they took them.

"They have caused a significant amount of distress to this family and we would urge anyone with any information about this theft to get in touch with us."

Skipton Police can be contacted by ringing 01756 793377.

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