Altwood memorial theft trial is delayed

The trial of a Maidenhead man believed to be involved with the Altwood memorial theft has been delayed.

Adam Brettell, 31, of Evenlode, is due to appear at Reading Crown Court this morning, charged with handling stolen goods.

However his trial will not start today but a preliminary hearing will be held instead so barristers can discuss points of law.

Brettell was committed to the crown court after denying the charge at Slough Magistrates last month. He was released on conditional bail.

He was arrested after the bronze statue The Companions was stolen from Ray Mill Island in October. It had been placed there to commemorate four schoolboys who died on a school trip.

Brettell is accused of trying to sell cut-up parts of the statue.