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London

'Brazen' scrap metal dealer Joseph Collier, 72, jailed

3 November 2014

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Image copyrightMET POLICEImage captionJoseph Collier said understanding the impact of his crime made him feel like a "grave robber"

A "brazen" scrap metal dealer has been jailed for 15 months for buying hundreds of stolen memorial plaques.

Joseph Collier, 72, of Woodhall Drive, Dulwich, was found guilty of four counts of possessing or disguising criminal property and one charge of attempting to receive stolen goods.

Isleworth Crown Court heard he accepted stolen items with "no questions asked".

Prosecutors have also signalled they will be pursuing Collier under proceeds of crime laws.

Media captionSonja Jessup reports: ''Police raided his Croydon yard and found bags of hundreds of bronze memorial plaques''

The court heard he bought more than 250 memorial plaques, stolen from cemeteries around south-east London, which were worth about £18,000.

He also had a statue of Jesus which was taken from Putney Vale Cemetery and was valued at £1,700 .

Recorder Benedict Kelleher said: "Their value to those to whom they were a memorial to a loved one cannot be measured in monetary terms, and there is no doubt that their theft would have caused great distress."

The Metropolitan Police said it raided Collier's DSM Scrap Metal Yard in Bensham Lane, Croydon in May 2012 as part of a London-wide crackdown on metal theft and found hundreds of memorial plaques.

Image copyrightMET POLICEImage captionOfficers spent hours piecing plaques together as part of the case against Collier

During the case police officers spent hours piecing the plaques back together.

Sgt George Shannon said: "I can only describe Collier's attitude throughout this whole process as brazen.

"There was little doubt that he knew they were stolen and he had absolutely no regard for the law. "

Collier's lawyer, James Martin, said when his client read about his crimes in the papers, it made him "feel like a grave robber".

I’m getting one. Will just be a majority payment made for next years season ticket.
If I get 5/6 games this year it will be a big event/pi*s up, no queues at the bar hopefully. Look forward to the lottery of what games My bubble gets.

If a lot of people are not renewing their ST then I think those of us that have done so will be able to go to quite a few matches. My main worry is being able to sit with my mates. It's not ideal but better than watching on TV.

It's 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark... and we're wearing sunglasses.

Found this nugget on MSN about all EPL clubs 'Season Ticket Renewal'

[Link]

This operation, will make the 'Charge Of The Light Brigade' seem like a simple military exercise.

This is the bit that is wrong and will impact a few fans.
Palace should have there own credit score and guarantee any one, like yourself who have proved to be good payers over the years. Have you emailed the club to request a closer look at your situation. After all your history is good with them individually and if anything the last few years should count for something.
Maybe there are some fans who offer credit or know how to get the finance together to pay outright.
Goal machine is a Financial Advisor,maybe pm him and ask.
Sorry GM but I know you will at least know any way it can be done.

Or, in my worst case scenario, five games that happen to be broadcast on TV anyway (with associated stupid kick off times).

Think I'm with you. Take my chances that the fact I've been a season ticket holder in the same seat since 97 means I may well get some form of priority for 21/22. That hopefully means I'll be able to get close, if not in the exact seat, to where I am now.

Employee of the month is a good example of how someone can be both a winner and a loser at the same time.