Memorial to murdered teenager

Flo Siddons campaigned to find her granddaughter's killer

The family of a woman murdered 25 years ago have unveiled a plaque at the spot where she was killed.

Lynn Siddons' body was discovered in thick undergrowth by a canal at Barrow on Trent in Derbyshire in 1978.

Her grandmother Flo Siddons, 88, spent 18 years campaigning to find her murderer.

Michael Brookes was finally jailed in 1996 for stabbing and strangling Lynn.

His conviction followed a rare civil suit brought by Lynn's family after police failed to charge him with the murder.

Failed appeal

At the trial in the High Court in 1991, Mr Justice Rougier ordered Brookes to pay her family damages, declaring that he had no doubt the man was responsible for the killing.

Brookes was later tried and convicted, but appealed against the verdict in 1998, saying he could not get a fair trial following publicity about the case, but his appeal was rejected.

The memorial was arranged by British Waterways and is located about two miles from Lynn's home in Sinfin.

Her family still visits the spot regularly, bringing flowers at least three times a year.

The plaque reads: "In loving memory of Lynn Siddons, 16 years old, tragically killed April 3 1978 - deep in our heart you will stay, loved and remembered every day."

Lynn's mother Gail Halford said: "It used to be creepy bringing flowers down here... it was eerie, but now that it has been cleared it just seems more peaceful and serene down here."