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Woman told to hand over treasure Woman first to face Treasure Act
(30 minutes later)
A Shropshire woman has been ordered by a court to hand over an ancient coin uncovered in a garden. A Shropshire woman is the first in the UK to be convicted of failing to report treasure, say West Mercia police.
Kate Harding, 23, of The Hawthorns in Ludlow, found the 14th century piedfort coin in a Tenbury Wells garden. Kate Harding, 23, of The Hawthorns in Ludlow, presented a 14th Century piedfort coin to Ludlow Museum in January last year.
After it was identified by experts from The British Museum she was told she had to report the find to the coroner.After it was identified by experts from The British Museum she was told she had to report the find to the coroner.
But she did not, and on Thursday was given a three month conditional discharge by Ludlow Magistrates' Court and ordered to pay £25 in costs. But she did not and on Thursday admitted breaching the Treasure Act, at Ludlow Magistrates' Court.
Ms Harding had the coin identified in January last year. 'Landmark case'
She was given a three month conditional discharge, ordered to hand over the coin and to pay £25 in costs.
Dr Michael Lewis of the British Museum confirmed the case was the first to have resulted in prosecution.
He said: "This is a landmark case and it sends a clear message to those who fail to report Treasure.
"However, we are delighted that the artefact, which has great historical significance, has now been handed over under the instruction of the magistrates."
A similar coin was discovered in West Clandon, Surrey in 2007, and bought by the British Museum for £1,800.
Under the 1996 Treasure Act, anyone finding an ancient artefact must report the find to the coroner within 14 days.Under the 1996 Treasure Act, anyone finding an ancient artefact must report the find to the coroner within 14 days.