UPDATE: A man has denied charges of stealing priceless Bronze Age gold jewelry from the St Fagans National Museum of History in Cardiff. This urgent case follows the theft of several items from a display case on October 6, raising concerns over the safety of cultural heritage in Wales.
Gavin John Burnett, 43, from Berrywood Close in Northampton, appeared at Northampton Crown Court on Wednesday, pleading not guilty to charges that include burglary of artefacts and jewelry. In addition, he faces three other serious charges: conspiracy to commit burglary, conspiracy to steal a motor vehicle, and making threats to kill. Burnett has been remanded in custody and is set to stand trial in April 2024.
His co-defendant, Darren Paul Burnett, 50, also from Northampton, appeared via video link but did not enter a plea. He is scheduled for a plea hearing on December 11. Authorities confirmed a 45-year-old woman from Northamptonshire has been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation and is currently on police bail.
The stolen items include four Middle Bronze Age gold armlets from Llanwrthwrl, Powys, and an Early Bronze Age gold lunula—a crescent-shaped ornament worn as a necklace—from Llanllyfni, Gwynedd. Police are also seeking 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, stating, “We’d like to thank the police for their continuing investigation into the search for these invaluable and irreplaceable items that are part of Wales’ history, heritage, and culture.” She urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of returning these treasures to their rightful place within Wales’ national collection.
As this case unfolds, the urgency surrounding the recovery of these historical artefacts grows. The public is encouraged to stay informed and engaged as developments arise. For immediate updates, join our WhatsApp community for breaking news alerts.
The theft of such culturally significant items not only impacts the museum but also resonates deeply within the community, highlighting the need for vigilance in protecting national heritage. With the trial set for April, all eyes will be on the court proceedings to see how justice will be served in this critical case.
