UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, a man has denied charges related to the theft of Bronze Age gold jewellery from the St Fagans National Museum of History in Cardiff. Gavin John Burnett, aged 43, appeared in Northampton Crown Court earlier today, pleading not guilty to multiple charges, including burglary of artefacts and jewellery, after the items were stolen from a display case on October 6.
This incident has raised urgent concerns about the protection of Wales’ cultural heritage. The court confirmed Burnett is also contesting three additional charges: conspiracy to commit burglary, conspiracy to steal a motor vehicle, and making threats to kill. He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to face trial in April 2024.
Burnett’s co-defendant, Darren Paul Burnett, aged 50, appeared via video link but did not enter pleas. He is set for a plea hearing on December 11. Authorities have arrested a 45-year-old woman from Northamptonshire as part of the ongoing investigation; she is currently on police bail.
The stolen artefacts are of immense historical value, including four Middle Bronze Age gold armlets from Llanwrthwrl, Powys and an Early Bronze Age gold lunula, a crescent-shaped ornament once worn as a necklace, from Llanllyfni, Gwynedd. Police are also actively searching for five Middle Bronze Age gold artefacts from Carmarthenshire and three from Heyope, Powys.
Jane Richardson, Chief Executive of Amgueddfa Cymru, expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their ongoing investigation, emphasizing the importance of these irreplaceable items. She urged anyone with information regarding the stolen artefacts to contact the police to facilitate their return to Wales’ national collection, ensuring that they can be appreciated by future generations.
As this case unfolds, the cultural community and the public remain vigilant, hoping for the swift recovery of these significant pieces of history. Stay updated on this developing story, as we follow the investigation and prepare for the upcoming court proceedings.
