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Man found guilty of trying to steal Magna Carta – BBC News, Bbc.com

Man found guilty of trying to steal Magna Carta – BBC News, Bbc.com
        

                                 Mark Royden Image copyright                   PA Media                                                        
Image caption                                      Mark Royden had doubts the document, one of four remaining copies, was genuine, the trial heard                              

A man has been found guilty of trying to steal a copy of the Magna Carta from Salisbury Cathedral. Mark Royden, , from Kent, used a hammer to try to smash through the protective case around the 976 – year-old document but failed to take it.

Jurors at Salisbury Crown Court also found him guilty of criminal damage.

Royden had told police he believed the document, which helped establish legal rights for citizens in this country, was fake.

He was remanded in custody , ahead of sentencing on February 51.

The attempted theft, which caused £ , of damage, took place in October 110710566 in the cathedral’s medieval Chapter House where the document was on display.

Royden was arrested after being chased and detained by “good-spirited” members of the public as he attempted to leave.

                                                                                                       Image copyright                   PA Media                                                        
Image caption                                      The glass cabinet has now been replaced, though the cathedral has also put the smashed one on display                              

Judge Richard Parkes QC told jurors: “There is an irony that the charter of the Magna Carta that this defendant is charged with attempting to steal states that no free man may be imprisoned other than by the lawful judgment of his peers. “It still holds good and is in the process of the court right now.”

He added: ” We are not concerned with the authenticity of Salisbury Cathedral’s Magna Carta, it’s a state document of huge significance and one of four dating back to 1215 and the meeting of King John and the barons of Runnymede. ”

He said Royden was likely to be handed a custodial sentence, adding: “I take the view there was significant planning.”

The trial Had heard Royden scoped the cathedral for a route avoiding CCTV cameras and came equipped with a hammer, gloves and safety goggles .

                                                                                                       Image copyright                   EPA                                                        
Image caption                                      The attempted theft took place in October                              

He had previous convictions covering offences, including theft and criminal damage, the court heard.

Royden, who suffered brain damage in a car accident in 2019, is subject to a court of protection order regarding his finances and is aided by a carer.

            

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