Five men deny roles in theft of WW1 memorials

Five men have denied involvement in the theft from a church of two memorials for 163 people killed in World War One.

Six people were charged after Christ Church Luton in Chatham, Kent, reported in May that the memorial plaques were stolen.

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

Five defendants entered not guilty pleas to receiving stolen goods among other charges at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday, while the sixth defendant is expected to be arraigned in March.

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.

Robert Hajek, 52, of Otway Street in Chatham, is yet to be arraigned.

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

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

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