Sixth man denies role in WW1 plaque theft

A sixth man has denied being involved in stealing from a church two memorial plaques commemorating 163 people killed in World War One.

Robert Hajek, 52, denied receiving stolen goods in relation to the theft of the plaques from Christ Church Luton in Chatham, Kent, in May 2025.

Hajek, of Otway Street in Chatham, will stand trial alongside five other men, who all pleaded not guilty to charges including theft, criminal damage and receiving stolen goods.

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

Hajek did not enter a plea to failing to surrender to police.

Abel Murui, 27, of Hallford Way in Dartford, and Manase Marin, 26, of Priory Road in Dartford, face one charge each of receiving stolen goods, which they deny.

Martin Feri, 39, of Bryant Street in Chatham, denied further charges of theft and criminal damage.

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

Rahid Anwar, 43, of Palm Drive in Rochester, denied receiving stolen goods and failing to answer bail at the appointed time.

All six men are currently scheduled to stand trial in August 2029.

The plaques have since been returned to the church, where they have been fully restored and put on display inside the building.

Eight people were arrested in connection to the alleged theft, but two were released without charge.

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