Boyfriend's tears for murdered Moira Jones at park tribute

Jun 15 2008 By Grace Macaskill And Norman Silvester

THE heartbroken boyfriend of tragic Moira Jones wept at the scene of her murder yesterday.

Paul Thompson, 43, joined Moira's parents Hugh and Beatrice for an emotional service in the park where Moira, 40,was brutally killed.

Minister Neil Galbraith said Moira was "so special - a diamond."

Eyes closed, they lifted their heads toward the sky in prayer as summer sunshine bathed their faces.

Holding hands to comfort each other, the shattered parents of murder victim Moira Jones comforted her heartbroken boyfriend Paul Thompson as they grieved yesterday.

Beatrice, 67, and Hugh, 69, stood side by side with Paul, 43, at a memorial service in Queens Park, Glasgow, where her life ended in brutal murder.

Around them close family, friends and colleagues of their daughter could be heard quietly sobbing as a police chaplain paid tribute to the popular businesswoman.

Reverend Neil Galbraith said: "Although Moira's parents hearts are heavy they are greatly appreciative of the support and the kindness shown.

"They have been left with a legacy of love which bears inspiration to their daughter.

"A terrible evil came to this dear green place.

"But this dear green place is part of our community. It will regenerate and regrow.

"Today in this place we have a mum and a dad whose hearts are so heavy, yet there is a sense of pride in remembering this dear soul.

"Moira was so special, so so special. She was a diamond in their lives."

He added: "The dedicated work of the police who have investigated this dreadful crime will always be remembered."

The family were joined by around 300 people from the neighbourhood.

They paid their respects in a 20-minute remembrance service at the park on the south side of the city where Moira's body was found on May 28.

Detectives mingled with the crowd and a police photographer worked at a discreet distance.

Piper Gordon Jack, 17, a pupil at Hutcheson's Grammar School, played the lament Highland Cathedral as flowers were laid beneath a tree just yards from Moira's parents.

Mourners filed past Moira's parents Beatrice, 67, and Hugh, 69, to lay flowers in the shade of a tree at 10am. People slowly walked around the park, then an apple tree was planted in Moira's memory Earlier, the Britvic sales consultant's parents greeted family and friends outside the gates as a crowd began to gather.

They remained dignified and composed, her mother breaking down only for brief moments as her daughter's colleagues and close friends embraced her.

Boyfriend Paul, 43, joined the couple 10 minutes later. He was solemn as he hugged Beatrice.

Paul last saw Moira, who was 40, when she left to drive the 15 minutes from his house in Minerva Street to her home opposite the park.

Yesterday was the first time he had been seen in public since her death 18 days ago.

He was picked up by police from his home and taken to the park for the service. The commemorative apple tree was planted by local councillor Danny Alderslowe.

He said: "I am delighted by the number of people who have turned up at such short notice to pay tribute to Moira.

"I hope the planting of this tree gives some comfort to her family and is a lasting memorial to Moira, a much valued member of the local community."

In an emotional plea, a tearful Beatrice urged anyone with information to contact police before the killer of her "loving, giving and thoughtful daughter" struck again.

She said: "Our lovely, lovely girl has been snatched from us in the most vicious and senseless way. But tomorrow, or the next day, it could be your beloved daughter, your wonderful sister, your best friend, your much-loved niece or cousin, your wife or mother. Please, think deep and hard.

"You must tell police - don't wait until the heart is ripped out of another family."