Two Men Face Court Over Illegal Metal Detecting at Ancient Roman Site
Dean Martin Bunce, 39, from Moorlands, Chippenham, and Thomas Cole, 25, of Castle Road, Salisbury, are set to appear before Swindon Magistrates Court on 21 December 2022.
Suspected of Damaging Protected Roman Monument
Both men were arrested on 21 July for allegedly using metal detectors on Cunetio, a protected scheduled monument and ancient Roman town near Mildenhall. Their actions are believed to breach the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.
Charges Laid: Destruction and Illegal Metal Detecting
- Bunce is charged with knowingly damaging or destroying the Roman Town Cunetio without lawful excuse, or acting recklessly, in violation of Section 28 of the Act.
- Cole faces charges for using a metal detector within the protected area without written consent from the Commission, contrary to Section 42(1) of the Act.
This case highlights the strict legal protections in place for the UK’s historic sites, warning against unauthorised treasure hunting that can destroy irreplaceable heritage.
