Six charged after WW1 memorials found in scrapyard

Six people have been charged over alleged involvement in the theft of two memorial plaques.

Christ Church Luton in Chatham, Kent, reported in May that memorials bearing the names of 163 people who died in World War One had been stolen.

Kent Police recovered both plaques from separate Essex scrapyards but one was damaged.

The defendants were all charged with receiving stolen goods.

Martin Feri, 39, of Bryant Street in Chatham, was further charged with theft and criminal damage.

Milan Duna, 34, of New Road in Chatham, is also further charged with theft.

Rahid Anwar, 43 of Palm Drive in Rochester, and Robert Hajek, 52, of Otway Street in Chatham, are also charged with failing to answer bail at the appointed time.

The other men charged are Abel Murui, 27, of Hallford Way in Dartford, and Manase Marin, 26, of Priory Road in Dartford.

Kent Police said the recovered plaques had been fully restored and were now displayed inside the church.

Officers had arrested a total of eight people but two were released without charge.

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