Potter thieves charged
2005-06-28 10:37
London - A 38-year-old man pleaded not guilty on Monday to plotting to sell two stolen copies of JK Rowling's much-anticipated new book, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.
Christopher Brown appeared at Kettering magistrates' court in Central England to face charges of helping in the theft of two copies of the book and of possessing an offensive weapon.
During the brief hearing, Brown, who lives in Kettering, spoke only to confirm his name, address and plea.
Magistrate Sheila Fairweather said magistrates do not have enough power to try the case and ordered Brown to appear for trial at Northampton Crown court on August 8. He was released on bail.
Brown and co-accused Aaron Lambert were arrested on June 3 as they allegedly tried to sell a copy of the book to John Askill, a reporter from The Sun newspaper.
Police allege the men tried to sell stolen copies of the book to two tabloid newspapers and fired a gun next to Askill's head when he came to meet them. Askill was not injured.
Lambert, 19, is due to appear at Northampton Crown court on October 10 accused of possessing an imitation firearm, a replica handgun, with intent to cause Askill to fear violence.
He is also charged with stealing two copies of the book from a distribution centre in nearby Corby.
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince will be released on July 16.
- AP