Former museum manager pleads not guilty to theft and fraud charges

A former employee of Norfolk Museums Service has denied stealing items from the collection and selling them through auctions.

Stephen Harris, 67, of Hunter Avenue, Mattishall, was the manager of Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse near Dereham. He faces one charge of theft, four counts of fraud and a single charge of converting stolen property, according to BBC Local News.

He appeared before King’s Lynn crown court on 16 September and pleaded not guilty to all charges. He faces trial in September 2027.

The charges listed in court allege that Harris stole artefacts belonging to Norfolk Museums Service between 10 January and 4 August 2022, the BBC reports.

The fraud charge relates to allegations that between 26 June and 17 July 2020 Harris made false representation, claiming he was the lawful owner of three exhibits he offered for sale.

Three further counts of fraud relate to auction houses listed as Bonhams of London, Keys of Aylsham, near Norwich, and Lockdales in Martlesham near Ipswich.

The sixth charge alleges that Harris converted criminal property, knowing it to be proceeds of crime.

The court set out stages for the case to progress. The trial is expected to last five days and will commence in almost two years’ time.

Recorder Justin Rouse told Harris: “I'm sorry it’s so far into the future, it’s obviously a worrying matter for you.”

He added: “You've been on bail and you remain on bail but you must attend your trial.

“If you do not turn up you could be fined or imprisoned and the trial could go ahead without you.”

At an earlier hearing at Norwich magistrate’s court in July, the prosecution alleged that Harris stole ceramics, glass and coins from the collections and sold them at auctions, making around £52,000 from the sales.

According to The Telegraph, Nicole Lamb, for the prosecution, alleged that he used his access while working as a museum employee to take items from collections that were in storage.

Rob New, for the defence, told the court that Harris “emphatically denies these allegations”. The case was then referred to the crown court.

Part of Norfolk County Council, Norfolk Museums Service oversees 10 museums in the county: Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery; Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse; the Museum of Norwich; the Elizabethan House; Stranger’s Hall; Lynn Museum; Cromer Museum; the Time and Tide Museum; Tolhouse Gaol; and Ancient House.

A spokesperson for the council told Museums Journal: “Given the ongoing legal process, we won’t be providing any comment at this time.”