Grantham detectorist claimed he found 'artefacts' he bought on eBay
One of the artefacts was displayed at the Lincoln Museum in 2022
Last updated 8th Jan 2026
A metal detectorist from Grantham who claimed to have found artefacts and national treasures while out detecting has been sentenced.
54-year-old Jason Price claimed to have found a number of artefacts, including Roman coins, brooches and tools, between 2019 and 2023.
Many of them were recorded under the Portable Antiquities Scheme with one item, a silver Roman knee brooch, being recorded as treasure under the Treasure Act.
Another brooch he bought on eBay, the famously named Leasingham Horse Brooch, was classed as a significant find, and displayed at the Lincoln Museum in 2022.
He received £5000 for it to be displayed.
Suspicions were raised by staff as more 'artefacts' were being brought forward by Price.
After a thorough investigation and testing, his items were found to be modern reproductions with faux patina paint applied to make them look older.
Price pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud by false representation and was sentenced to prison for 12 months, suspended for two years.
He was also ordered to pay £3,250 in compensation and an additional £1,000 in costs, and must complete 150 hours of unpaid work.
"...described as a ‘once in a lifetime find’..."
A Lincolnshire Police spokesperson said, "He admitted to burying the items he claimed were a roman hoard to get people interested in the site at Long Bennington in the hope funds would be generated for a full archaeological dig at the site.
"His fraudulent activities and claims risked damaging the reputation of the treasury process and heritage of the Roxholm, Haconby and Long Bennington areas.
"Many people have been deceived when they visited the Collection Museum to view the Leasingham Horse Brooch, described as a ‘once in a lifetime find’ or have watched or read various news reports of this rare find."
"...he also deceived the thousands of visitors who were understandably fascinated..."
Will Mason, head of culture at Lincolnshire County Council, said, “It's incredibly sad and disappointing that anyone would choose to exploit Lincolnshire’s rich heritage in this way.
“Thankfully, incidents like this remain rare due to the rigorous examinations carried out on objects before they are added to a museum's collection.
“In this instance, not only did Mr Price knowingly deceive the independent specialists who initially authenticated this object and others like it that he submitted to the council as treasures, he also deceived the thousands of visitors who were understandably fascinated by the Leasingham horse brooch following its discovery.
“I’d like to thank the teams - and Lincolnshire Police - for their diligent work in pursuit of the truth and for exposing this crime.
“We understand that, immediately before his initial court date last year, Mr Price made a donation to the Friends of Lincoln Museums and Art Gallery, who had initially provided the generous funding to purchase the brooch."