A MAN who tried to sell stolen silverware from Corpus Christi College Chapel has been sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison.

Scott Thomas, 37, of Mount Pleasant Walk, Cambridge, appeared at Cambridge Crown Court yesterday (Thursday March 29).

He pleaded guilty to 17 offences at a previous hearing, which included handling stolen goods, theft of pedal cycle, making off without payment, use of a motor vehicle without third party insurance, driving whilst disqualified and attempted theft of a pedal cycle.

The court heard he went to an antique shop on Gwydir Street to try and sell some of the silverware items on January 9, at 4pm.

Officers were alerted to this and arrested Thomas on January 13. He admitted to selling the items which he believed were stolen.

He tried to sell some of the silverware for �30, which was worth more than �1,000.

Whilst being interviewed for handling stolen goods he admitted the other 15 offences which go back to August 2011.

DC Cassandra Bennett said: “This case really highlights the importance of the public informing the police when a crime has been committed.

“These pieces of silverware were very distinctive and of real sentimental value to the college and I hope they have received some justice for this mindless act.”