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Selby: Student for trial over £50,000 library books
A Cambridge University graduate from Selby is set to stand trial after being accused of plundering antique books worth £50,000 from a London library.
William Jacques, 40, who read economics at Jesus College, allegedly took 13 volumes from the Royal Horticultural Society's London library four years ago then jumped bail.
Prosecutors claim Jacques, a former chartered accountant, signed in to the library using a false name and hid books under his jacket.
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He was arrested in early 2007 inside the Lindley Library of the RHS in Pimlico, but went on the run after being bailed.
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Officers swooped following an investigation into the disappearance of 13 volumes of Nouvelle Iconographies des Camellias by Verschaffelt.
Jacques was re-arrested on Christmas Day last year in Selby following a tip-off and appeared in custody at City of Westminster magistrates' court yesterday.
None of the books, which featured coloured plates of camellias by the 19th-century Belgian author, have been recovered.
Police urged antique booksellers to contact them if they are offered for sale.
The library contains books, journals, pictures and art dating back to 1514.
Greying Jacques, wearing black-rimmed spectacles, a pink open-neck shirt and beige coat, gave his name and date of birth during the two-minute committal hearing.
There was no application for bail and Judge Timothy Workman adjourned the case until February 25, when Jacques is due to appear at Southwark Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing.
Jacques, of no fixed address but formerly of Selby and York, faces a charge of theft and going equipped for theft.
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Saturday 19 May 2012
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