Thursday, June 17, 2010

Scott Trial Opens

The other British book thief trial we've all been waiting for began yesterday in Newcastle: Raymond Scott arrived at Crown Court in a limo, wearing "a tan pinstripe suit, Panama hat, white snakeskin loafers, and his trademark Cartier watch, Rolex bracelet, Versace ring and £300 prescription Tiffany sunglasses" (Metro). He flashed the victory sign at reporters as he entered the courtroom.

Scott has denied the charges (theft, handling stolen goods, and removing criminal property) that he stole the Durham University First Folio in 1998. The book resurfaced in July 2008, when Scott took it to the Folger for authentication and experts identified it as the stolen volume.

This trial could last several weeks.