A man has pleaded not guilty to charges relating to a high-profile burglary at a Welsh museum, where invaluable Bronze Age gold jewellery was stolen.
Court Appearance and Charges
Gavin Burnett, 43, of Berrywood Close, Northampton, appeared via video-link from HMP Peterborough at Northampton Crown Court on Wednesday. He formally entered a not guilty plea to a single count of burglary.
During the same hearing, Burnett also denied three additional charges: conspiracy to commit burglary, conspiracy to steal a motor vehicle, and making a threat to kill.
A second individual, Darren Burnett, 50, of Sharrow Place, Northampton, also appeared via videolink for the 25-minute hearing. He was not asked to enter pleas and is expected to be arraigned on December 11.
The Stolen Heritage
The alleged burglary took place at the St Fagans National Museum of History in Cardiff at around 12.30am on October 6. Several precious artefacts were taken from a display case.
The missing items, described by the museum's chief executive as 'invaluable and irreplaceable,' include:
- Four Middle Bronze Age gold armlets from Llanwrthwrl, Powys.
- An Early Bronze Age gold lunula, a distinctive crescent-shaped necklace, from Llanllyfni, Gwynedd.
These items are considered a vital part of Wales's national history, heritage, and culture.
Ongoing Investigation and Appeal
South Wales Police confirmed that a 45-year-old woman from Northamptonshire was also arrested as part of the investigation. She has been released on police bail.
St Fagans is an open-air museum that opened in 1948 within the grounds of St Fagans Castle. It is one of Wales's most popular heritage visitor attractions.
Jane Richardson, chief executive of Amgueddfa Cymru (Museum Wales), issued a statement thanking the police for their continuing efforts. She urged anyone with information about the location of the stolen gold to come forward so the items can be returned to their rightful home within the national collection for the public to enjoy.
