Paul Edward Cope, 56, denies stealing items from Museum of East Anglian Life, in Stowmarket

news@buryfreepress.co.uk

Published: 11:28, 07 November 2018

| Updated: 11:29, 07 November 2018

A 56-year-old man has denied burglary and theft charges following a raid at a Stowmarket museum.

Paul Edward Cope, of Cotswold Gardens, Hutton, Brentwood, Essex, appeared at Suffolk Magistrates' Court, in Ipswich, on Tuesday.

He pleaded not guilty to a charge of non-domestic burglary and one count of theft. Both charges relate to a January break-in at the Museum of East Anglian Life, in which artifacts valued at £21,978 were taken.

STOWMARKET: Collections stolen from museum..Museum Of East Anglian Life, Iliffe Way, Stowmarket ..The Museum of East Anglian Life has been targeted by thieves who stole about 135 items and stripped lead from the back roof of Abbot's Hall...Lisa Harris collections and interpretation manager and Jenny Cousins director with Staff and Volunteers Catlin Peck, Chloe Brett, Rebecca Matta, Amanda Abbott, Patsy Cane and Jo Rooks.....Picture Mark Westley. (5268772)

Cope was bailed to appear at Ipswich Crown Court on December 4 at 10am.

More than 100 irreplaceable items were taken in the raid, along with lead from the back roof of the Grade II listed Abbot's Hall.

The thefts took place over the weekend on January27-30.

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