When it comes to metal detecting, enthusiasts often get excited about finding everyday lost treasures. However, some individuals take the hobby to a much higher level, delving into the world of high-stakes metal detecting, where the thrill of the hunt can sometimes lead to criminal pursuits. • Metal detecting involves searching for lost or buried items, such as coins, jewelry, and other artifacts. • The hobby can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also lead to serious consequences, especially when individuals attempt to sell stolen or illicitly obtained items. In the case of Roger Pilling and Craig Best, their metal detecting hobby turned into a game of cat and mouse with the law. The two men, who were convicted of conspiracy to convert criminal property and possession of criminal property, were found to have been involved in an illegal plot to sell Anglo-Saxon coins of great historical significance. These coins, which were stolen from the Herefordshire Hoard, a treasure trove discovered in 2015, were believed to have been buried by a Viking during the 9th century. The coins included two extremely rare examples of two-headed coins, showing Alfred of Wessex and Ceolwulf II of Mercia, which are considered to be among the most valuable and historically significant coins in the world. The coins were recovered in a sting operation, but Pilling and Best managed to sell them to an undercover police officer, who was posing as an American collector. The undercover officer contacted UK experts, who were initially unaware of the true nature of the coins. The undercover operation was set up after Best tried to sell coins to the American collector, who then contacted UK experts about the apparent availability of extremely rare and valuable examples, and the authorities were alerted. In this case, the coins were not only valuable but also historically significant, as they were believed to have been buried by a Viking during a particularly violent period of English history. The two-headed coins demonstrate a financial and political alliance between the two kings, showing Ceolwulf was more important than reports from Alfred’s court later stated. The coins were not declared as treasure, nor were they handed over to the Crown, which is a serious offense. The fact that Pilling and Best attempted to sell these coins abroad highlights the severity of their crime. Had they left the country, they would have been likely to be lost to the nation forever. The court also heard that Pilling, who acquired the collection from the ‘black market’, had been a ‘hard-working industrious family man and a kind person’ who delayed his retirement after his factory burned down to ensure his employees had jobs. However, he chose to pursue his metal detecting hobby at the expense of his integrity. Best, who was arrested during the sting operation, had a young family who relied on him. The court also heard that he was a hard-working individual who runs a business with three employees. Despite the defendants’ attempts to portray themselves as law-abiding citizens, their actions were found to be reprehensible. The court sentenced them to five years and two months in prison, highlighting the severity of the crime. Now, Pilling has been ordered to repay £103,000, which is the amount of the confiscation order granted at Teeside Crown Court. This amount represents the value of the coins that Pilling and Best attempted to sell. The confiscation order also sets a precedent for the treatment of individuals who engage in high-stakes metal detecting and attempt to profit from stolen or illicitly obtained items. It sends a strong message that crime does not pay and that individuals who engage in such activities will be held accountable. In conclusion, the case of Roger Pilling and Craig Best serves as a reminder that metal detecting can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it can also lead to serious consequences if not done responsibly. It highlights the importance of integrity and the need to respect the law, especially when it comes to valuable and historically significant items.
| Key Points |
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| • Roger Pilling and Craig Best were convicted of conspiracy to convert criminal property and possession of criminal property. |
| • They were found to have been involved in an illegal plot to sell Anglo-Saxon coins of great historical significance. |
| • The coins were recovered in a sting operation and were valued at £766,000. |
| • Pilling was ordered to repay £103,000, which is the amount of the confiscation order granted at Teeside Crown Court. |
| • The case serves as a reminder that metal detecting can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it can also lead to serious consequences if not done responsibly. |
Highlights
• The case highlights the importance of integrity and the need to respect the law, especially when it comes to valuable and historically significant items. • The confiscation order sets a precedent for the treatment of individuals who engage in high-stakes metal detecting and attempt to profit from stolen or illicitly obtained items. • The case serves as a reminder that crime does not pay and that individuals who engage in such activities will be held accountable.
• Conspiracy to convert criminal property: A charge brought against individuals who attempt to sell or dispose of stolen or illicitly obtained property. • Possession of criminal property: A charge brought against individuals who possess or are found in possession of stolen or illicitly obtained property. • Confiscation order: A court order that requires an individual to repay or forfeit the proceeds of crime.
“The confiscation order set by the judge reflects all the assets available to the defendants. We will always work to ensure that crime does not pay, and criminals cannot benefit from their ill-gotten gains.”
— Adrian Foster, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS Proceeds of Crime Division
This case highlights the importance of responsible metal detecting and the need to respect the law, especially when it comes to valuable and historically significant items.
