VANDALS have destroyed a memorial bench to a York man who starved to death because of an obsessive eating disorder.

The parents of Jonathan Moir today said they were "appalled" after the bench was ripped from the ground and callously thrown on to a smouldering bonfire.

The memorial had been placed overlooking courts at York Tennis Club to remember the life of Jonathan - a keen sportsman who loved playing tennis at the Clifton site.

His parents, Roger and Tricia Moir, admitted they were "speechless and absolutely appalled" when told about the damage.

"We trust the people who stole and destroyed this memorial to our son, Jonathan, are proud of themselves," the couple, of Hilbra Avenue, Haxby, told the Evening Press.

"We are unable to put into adequate words our feelings about them as individuals."

They said that given the trauma the family had suffered they did not understand how the culprits could be so heartless.

The bench, built after Jonathan's parents donated funds, stood undamaged at the tennis club for about two-and-a-half years.

Jonathan died in December 1999, aged 23.

The future had looked bright when he started a law degree at Manchester University. However, he developed a compulsive disorder as a result of which he became convinced food was harming him.

After a long battle against the condition, the previously healthy young man died in York Hospital. He weighed only five-and-a-half stone.

His inquest heard he had developed stomach pains and depression, and had been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome. Jonathan adopted a restricted diet to control this - which developed into an obsession.

Tennis club chairman John Linfoot said the damage to the bench came to light after a bonfire and fireworks display organised by York Rugby Union Football Club's youth section, at Shipton Road, on Sunday night.

He said the members who spotted the damage, probably caused after firework crowds had left the event, could not believe their eyes.

"Someone has scaled a perimeter fence, then they have gone to some considerable length to remove it, throw it over the fence and then carry it on to a bonfire.

"A small part of the bench has been recovered. Unfortunately the embers are still too hot for me to search for the plaque."

Mr Linfoot, who said the bench was held down by four steel brackets, added: "I can't believe somebody has done this. It defies belief.

"I don't think the bench was targeted deliberately but it's still a pretty despicable act. It's wanton idiocy."

A York Police spokesman confirmed the bench damage had been reported and was being investigated. Witnesses should phone 01904 669566.

Updated: 08:37 Friday, November 12, 2004