The police have charged Mr Scott Thomas with the theft of silverware from Corpus Christi College. The set of silver was stolen on the 9th of January after a chest residing in the Sanctuary of the college chapel was smashed open.

Three pieces had been recovered and it has now emerged that the remaining pieces have been melted down and are lost forever.

Serial thief Scott Thomas has been committed to Crown Court for sentencing, after admitting 18 charges, including trying to sell the stolen silverware to an antiques dealer.

The antiques dealer in question, Mr Stephen Hunt, helped to recover three silver, religious artifacts, after they were brought into his shop for valuation. Mr. Hunt acted with great presence of mind, purchasing the items from the suspicious-acting Thomas and then immediately informing the local police.

Thomas told police where the remaining stolen items were located but officers regrettably reached them too late, finding £10,640 worth of antique silverware melted down before they could retrieve it.

Mr. Hunt purchased the items for £30, after Mr Thomas said he had been clearing out some items and wanted to sell them for £100. This suggests that Thomas had very little idea of their true value and was acting opportunistically. Paul Brown, prosecuting, told Cambridge Magistrate's Court the silverware was 'totally irreplaceable.'

Appearing in court via a video link from prison last Friday, Thomas admitted to handling the stolen silverware, as well as another charge of handling stolen goods.

The effects of the theft continue to be felt by members of the college. A student at Corpus has expressed his sadness that the chapel is now constantly chained and padlocked as a consequence of the theft. Corpus has a well-renowned silver collection. Yet it is an uncomfortable reflection that in order to protect it's artifacts from the light-fingered, Corpus may have to lock out those who simply wish to enjoy and admire its beauty and architecture.

At a time when many colleges are increasingly restrictive about allowing access to members of the public, events such as this provide only greater justification for keeping people out.