Theft of bench which honours memory of Easter Ross crash victim

A COMMEMORATIVE bench installed on a Ross-shire road in memory of a young student nurse who died in a car crash was stolen at the weekend.

Debbie Garrow was 19 when she was thrown from a car when it crashed on the Shore Road between Alness and Invergordon in June 2005.

A wooden bench with a brass plaque inscribed with the words "In loving memory of Debbie Garrow who passed away 19th June 2005. Donated by those who care" was placed on a grassed area by the side of the road in 2006.

It was stolen overnight between Saturday September 24 and Sunday September 25 and Alness police are appealing for information regarding the theft.

The bench has a high-curved back and is dark red mahogany.

Debbie’s friend Jodie Gripton was sentenced to four years in a young offenders’ institution for causing the accident which killed the teenager.

Aberdeen High Court heard how the car she was driving reached speeds of 90mph, clipped a kerb, smashed into a wall and rolled down towards the beach.

Anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious or has any information regarding the theft of the bench is asked to contact Alness police on 01349 882 222 or Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111.