Woman becomes first prosecuted for failing to report treasure

The woman, in her twenties from Ludlow, kept hidden a rare piedfort - a 14th century coin-like object worth £2000.

She took the silver artefact to Ludlow museum to be identified in January last year claiming she had found it in her garden.

But after being informed she must register the find with the coroner under section 8 of the treasure act she continued to keep the treasure hidden.

South Shropshire coroner Anthony Sibcy eventually contacted the police in April 2009.

After an investigation by West Mercia police the woman was summonsed to appear at Ludlow Magistrates Court on February 17th.

The case was adjourned until Wednesday February 24 when the woman pleaded guilty to the offence of finding an object believed to be Treasure and not reporting it.

She was ordered to hand over the piedfort, was given a conditional discharge and ordered to pay £25 court costs.

Dr Michael Lewis, Deputy Head, Department Portable Antiquities and Treasure at the British Museum, confirmed that the case was the first known of its kind in the country 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.

"It shows that the police and the coroner's service give Treasure and archaeological heritage law a high profile and will take proactive measures against those that disregard it.

"The woman in this case was informed that the item had been identified as potential Treasure and told on numerous occasions that her find needed to be reported to the coroner.

"Unfortunately, she failed to follow the advice given and did not report her find to the coroner within the statutory period of 14 days.

"However, we are delighted that the artefact, which has great historical significance, has now been handed over under the instruction of the magistrates."