Father’s plea to commemorate murdered child

DAD’S plan . . . the memorial Paul wants for Violet

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A DEVASTATED dad says his dream of paying a loving tribute to the murdered baby daughter he never knew he had could be dashed.

Tiny Violet Mullen was killed by her mum’s partner Gary Alcock in Greenacres two years ago.

Her father Paul Taylor — who only found out she was his daughter after her death - says he is still waiting to honour her the only way he can — with a beautiful final resting place.

Paul and former partner Delena Knowles want a white marble memorial to replace the simple wooden cross which marks the little girl’s grave in Hollinwood Cemetery.

But cemetery officials have told him his design isn’t permitted by their rules.

Paul (26), from Chadderton, said “I’m devastated. I couldn’t do anything for her when she was alive so this was my only way of being a dad. There are other graves with all sorts, but they won’t let me have a 4ft bed and an angel statue.

“What happened was horrific: it has taken me a long time to come to terms with it. This has just knocked me back even further. I “

Oldham Council told the Chronicle details of the dimensions of the memorial were simply missing from paperwork and may be permissible once the detail has been provided. But Paul’s kerb design might still breach their maximum permitted dimensions, intended to make the ground easier to maintain.

Councillor Jean Stretton said: “We try to accommodate requests and the headstone design in question is not an issue. As a general rule, if the proposed memorial is of similar proportions to surrounding memorials there wouldn’t be an issue. We do have a set rule for the length of kerbs surrounding graves.”

In January 2010, evil Alcock punched the 15-month-old tot in the stomach and severely damaged her internal organs because her crying interrupted his video game. He was jailed for a minimum 21 years, while Violet’s mother was jailed for five years on other charges relating to Violet’s death.

Paul has cared for his other daughter - Violet’s sister Jessica - for 18 months.

“Jessica has been through a lot, she lost everything overnight, but she’s doing well,” added Paul.








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