AN Evesham man has admitted dishonestly handling two stolen bronze statues worth £50,000.

Anthony Reeve, 43, of Craven Court, Church Street, Evesham, is jointly charged with Marie Johns, 42, of the same address, with handling stolen goods belonging to Alexander Puddy between May 8 2018 and May 11 2018.

At Gloucester Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday) Reeve pleaded guilty to the offence.

Johns had pleaded not guilty at an earlier hearing. Her trial will be held on March 18 next year.

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Judge Ian Lawrie QC said yesterday that the case concerns the theft of ‘architectural heritage’ and he asked the advocates why Reeve had been remanded in custody.

Lee Egan, defending, said: “He is in custody for this matter and for a similar case being heard at Worcester Crown Court.”

The court was told that Reeve suffers from post traumatic stress disorder and had been sectioned under the Mental Health Act in the past.

Judge Lawrie said: “Once Reeve has pleaded at Worcester I shall request that his case there is transferred to this court for sentencing alongside this case.

“Unless things change I will list it on the same day as Jones’ trial on March 18. He will be remanded in custody until that date.”