Michael Gardner charged over grave robberies and drug possession

A 44-year-old man has been charged in relation to the theft of 102 copper plaques from a cemetery in the state’s north. Here’s the latest.

The stolen plaques were found stacked up behind barriers on the outer perimeter of the Tweed Heads Lawn Cemetery.

A man has been arrested and charged over the theft of gravestone plaques in the state’s north.

On Tuesday August 20, officers from Tweed/Byron Police District commenced an investigation into the alleged theft of more than 100 metal plaques from headstones at a cemetery on Kirkwood Rd, Tweed Heads South.

Following inquiries, police arrested 44-year-old Michael Gardner at Murwillumbah about 6.10am on Friday and took him to Tweed Heads police station.

Gardner was charged with wilfully damage or deface any protected place, stealing of 102 copper plaques from gravestones, malicious damage and possess prohibited drug.

Tweed Heads cemetery. Photo: John Gass / Daily News

Michael Gardner was refused bail to reappear at Tweed Heads Courthouse early September.

He was refused bail and appeared before Magistrate Geoff Dunlevy in Tweed Heads local court on Friday.

Gardner was remanded in custody to reappear before the same court on September 9.

Tweed Shire Council and police believe opportunistic thieves were intending to sell the plaques to scrap metal recyclers for a measly profit.

A council spokesman said all plaques were accounted for, however many of them had been damaged.

Police are continuing their investigations into the matter.