How a cigarette butt unravelled a Romanian church lead theft syndicate
Operation Dastardly, an investigation into lead thefts from churches across Lincolnshire and the UK, recently saw the conclusion of the case against the final defendant, Madalin Prundaru, at Lincoln Crown Court. He was handed a 24-month community order.
One of the key pieces of evidence linking Madalin Prundaru to the thefts was a discarded cigarette butt found in the grounds of St Andrew's Church in Kingham, Oxfordshire. DNA testing matched the cigarette butt to him. Gigi Prundaru's mobile phone records also showed reconnaissance on the church, including a route plan from London to Kingham the day before the theft was discovered.
Subsequent enquiries revealed the defendants, who were living in the Edmonton area of London, would commit offences in the early hours and then travel back to London and weigh in the lead sheets at a London scrap yard. They received around £70,000 during the seven-month period.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Not so Lidl: The spread of budget supermarkets in Lincolnshire - MyLocal LincolnshireCheaper supermarket chains have ramped up expansion across Lincolnshire
Read more »
Residents appalled by Lincolnshire dog poisonings - MyLocal LincolnshireResidents appalled by Lincolnshire dog poisonings
Read more »
Lincolnshire independents make push for election success - MyLocal LincolnshireIndependents say it gives them freedom from national parties
Read more »
Red Arrows and BBMF: Lincolnshire ready for King’s Coronation - MyLocal LincolnshireThey graced Lincoln with their display practice, ready for the big Coronation flypast
Read more »
Bridgerton spin-off filmed at Belton House coming to Netflix this week - MyLocal LincolnshireBridgerton fans rejoice - a new series delving into the characters' past will come to Netflix this week
Read more »
Lincoln parents who lost their baby start charity to help siblings with grief - MyLocal LincolnshireLaura and Steve launched the charity after seeing how a personal tragedy affected their son
Read more »