Three men convicted of stealing lead from churches in 10 counties including Norfolk and Suffolk

It's thought the group caused £1.25m worth of damage

Gigi Prundaru and Laurentiu Rebeca, who were both jailed
Author: Sian RochePublished 10th May 2023
Last updated 10th May 2023

Three men have been sentenced for their roles in stealing lead from dozens of church roofs across England - including six in Norfolk and three in Suffolk.

Gigi Prundaru, aged 34, Laurentiu Rebeca, aged 27, and Madalin Prundaru, aged 26, were linked to a total of 47 offences in 10 counties, after being caught in the act at St Botolphs Church in Walcot near Sleaford, Lincolnshire, in 2016.

It's thought the group caused £1.25m worth of damage - selling the stolen lead to a London scrapyard.

Madalin Gabriel Prundaru, from Redbridge Lane East, Ilford, was found guilty of 18 lead theft charges at Lincoln Crown Court after a jury returned a guilty verdict last month.

He appeared at Lincoln Crown Court on Friday, where the judge gave him a 24 month community order.

The two others involved had already been jailed.

Gigi Prundaru admitted 31 offences and was sentenced to a total of 6 years 1 month imprisonment.

Laurentiu Rebeca admitted 24 offences and was sentenced to 4 years 10 months imprisonment

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