Plea for return of ashes

A Sydney man - still reeling over the death of his wife - has been dealt another bitter blow after the ashes of his sister were stolen from a parked car.

Sean Kelly's sister Teresa Wyche died in November following a short battle with lung cancer. She was cremated in Australia and Mr Kelly was in New Zealand last week so the ashes could be sprinkled on his father's grave in Mangere.

He had the ashes in a canvas bag in the back of a station wagon and had parked the car on Thursday behind the Mission Bay shopping area while dining with friends.

When he returned to the car after dinner, the bag was gone - along with all his other belongings.

The ashes were in a polystyrene box the size of a shoe box and vacuum-packed in clear plastic. On top of the package was a silver plaque with his sister's name and age.

Yesterday Mr Kelly made a desperate plea for the return of his sister's ashes.

"I would be perfectly happy if my clothes fit the robber. It is small change to get the other back."

Mr Kelly said his sister had been his crutch when his wife of 30 years, Kerry, died last year.

When he first discovered his sister's ashes had been taken, he was angry: "I felt murderous at the start." Now he hopes whoever broke into the car has a conscience.

Mr Kelly spent Friday searching the area and nearby bays in case the box had been dumped. He said he dreaded having to tell his sister's husband the news today on his return to Sydney.

Police have asked those responsible to take the ashes to the nearest police station.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY