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| Version 4 | Version 5 |
|---|---|
| Woman first to face Treasure Act | Woman first to face Treasure Act |
| (3 days later) | |
| A Shropshire woman is the first in the UK to be convicted of failing to report treasure, say West Mercia police. | 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, presented a 14th Century artefact 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 admitted breaching the Treasure Act, at Ludlow Magistrates' Court. | But she did not and on Thursday admitted breaching the Treasure Act, at Ludlow Magistrates' Court. |
| 'Landmark case' | 'Landmark case' |
| She was given a three month conditional discharge, ordered to hand over the artefact and to pay £25 in costs. | |
| Dr Michael Lewis of the British Museum confirmed the case was the first to have resulted in prosecution. | 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. | 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." | "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 item was discovered in West Clandon, Surrey in 2007, and bought by the British Museum for £1,800. | |
| But Ms Harding may not receive anything, as the Treasure Valuation Committee has the power to cut or cancel any payment for "wrongdoing". | But Ms Harding may not receive anything, as the Treasure Valuation Committee has the power to cut or cancel any payment for "wrongdoing". |
| 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. |