A grieving mother told today of her disgust after flowers laid at the spot where her son was killed were stolen on the anniversary of his death.

Robert Watmuff, 21, of Wilsden, died after being knocked down by a drink-driver in a hit-and-run accident near Bingley in 1998.

Each year since the tragedy his parents, Brenda and John Watmuff, have marked the anniversary of his death by laying a bouquet and card at the scene in Harden Road, known locally as The Twines.

But this year the flowers were taken within hours of being placed.

Mrs Watmuff, 45, said: "I was just so upset when I found out they'd been stolen. If they'd gone after two or three days that would have been bad enough, but for them to be taken on the actual anniversary of Robert's death was even more upsetting.

"I just can't believe how anyone could do something like that but some people have no respect for the living, let alone the dead - they just don't have consciences.

"I won't go down to The Twines normally and it takes a lot of courage for me to go and put the flowers there each year, so this is very upsetting for us. Whoever took them must have known why they were there, especially as there was a card marked 'sympathy' firmly stuck to the cellophane.

"The card was from his mum and dad, younger sister Lisa and her boyfriend Lee, and all his family and friends.

"It said that we miss him more and more with every year that goes by and wish he was still here with us.''

Mrs Watmuff added that she was sickened to think their flowers may have ended up as a Mother's Day present after having the card removed.

She added: "It's made us feel like not doing it any more and in future we might just sprinkle some flower petals, which nobody can pinch.

l In November 1999, Martin Sands, of Florist Street, Keighley, was jailed for five years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, causing death by driving without due care and attention while unfit through drink or drugs, and driving while disqualified.

Bradford Crown Court heard that his Rover hit Robert Watmuff, a former Bingley Grammar School student who worked as a delivery driver, and his friend Daniel Claughton, 18, who was left injured, as they walked home after a night out.