Boy, 12, admits damaging Royal Wootton Bassett war memorial

A 12-year-old boy has been dealt with by way of a community resolution after admitting to damaging a war memorial in Royal Wootton Bassett.

The incident happened on March 21 – an offensive word was scratched into the Tommy Soldier silhouette memorial in Marlowe Way.

Enquiries have been ongoing and a 12-year-old boy from Swindon was interviewed under caution and admitted the offence.

PC Kyle Lloyd, of the local Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Due to having no record of any previous offending, the boy was dealt with out of court and engaged with a community resolution with conditions to pay monetary compensation, write a letter of apology and engage with restorative justice mediation.

“Understandably, this incident caused upset amongst the local community, especially considering the town was bestowed its royal title following the outpouring of gratitude paid by the townspeople during the military repatriations."

He added: "For young people with no prior offending history, restorative justice gives us a chance to address harm early, build accountability, and prevent a single mistake from defining their future.”