Norfolk Museum Employee Accused of Theft

Introduction to the Case

An employee of the Norfolk Museum Service, Stephen Harris, has been accused of stealing exhibitions from the museum and selling them through auctions. The 67-year-old from Hunter Avenue, Mattishall, has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Harris worked at the Gressenhall Museum near Dereham and appeared in court wearing a blue suit and a red and white striped shirt.

Charges Against Harris

Harris faces charges of theft, four counts of fraud, and one count of converting stolen property. The charges claim that he stole artifacts from the Norfolk Museum between January 10 and August 4, 2022. Additionally, he is accused of making false representations between June 26 and July 17, 2020, claiming that he was the rightful owner of three exhibits that he had offered for sale.

Details of the Fraud Counts

Three of the fraud counts refer to auction houses, including Bonhams of London, Keys from Aylsham near Norwich, and Lockdales in Martlesham near Ipswich. The sixth indictment claims that Harris converted criminal property because he knew that it was income from a crime. The court has set phases for progress, but the trial, which is expected to take five days, will not begin until September 2027.

Court Proceedings

The judge, Recorder Justin Rouse KC, expressed sympathy for the delay, stating, "I’m sorry that it will be so far in the future, it is obviously a worrying matter for you." Harris has been released on bail and is required to attend his trial. The judge warned him that failure to appear could result in a fine or imprisonment, and the trial could proceed without him. The case is considered serious, and the judge noted, "This is obviously a very unfortunate condition."