Mum-of-five denies urinating on war memorial on 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme
Snaps show woman squatting over poppies in broad daylight
A JOBLESS mum has denied urinating over a war memorial on the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.
Pictures allegedly show Kelly Martin, 42, squatting over poppy wreaths at a cenotaph in Grays, Essex.
She has been charged with outraging public decency after photographs showing a woman relieving herself in broad daylight were posted online on Friday.
Witnesses say children watched as the woman pulled down her trousers and leaned over the tributes to the war dead.
This week marks the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the horrific First World War battle.
Over one million soldiers, including nearly half a million Brits, lost their lives in four and a half months.
The Royal British Legion, which supports veterans, said it was "shocked and saddened to hear of this incident".
A spokesman said: "War memorials and graves honour the memory of the British Armed Forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice and those who defend the freedom we enjoy.
"They deserve to be treated with the utmost respect."
Martin, of no fixed address, was refused bail at Basildon Magistrates Court.
She will appear again on Wednesday.
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