As we get further away from the two major conflicts which devastated the world in the 20th century, it might be understandable that the distance of time lessens the impact those events had on global history.

Sad, but understandable. However, that is not the case, as the Royal British Legion has reported a massive boost in the response to its annual Poppy Appeal, which honours those who fought in two world wars.

Donations to the appeal last year were up by a massive 23 per cent in the Bradford district, and that was at a time of recession and belt-tightening.

It seems that the sacrifices made by those in the Great War of 1914-18 and the Second World War of 1939-45 are still never far from our minds.

A pity, then, that the good work of the majority in remembering those who paid the ultimate price is sullied by the actions of individuals such as the man who appeared at court yesterday and admitted urinating on war wreaths.

Such crass, idiotic behaviour is beneath contempt, and anyone who partakes in it should hopefully not be so stupid that they don’t recognise at least one thing.

That being, the only reason they are free to walk the streets at night is thanks to the efforts of the men and women who are honoured by such memorials that they so disgustingly deface.