Scrap dealer ‘did not know hidden gems were stolen’

A WEALTHY scrap metal dealer who hid stolen diamonds and precious gems in his office ceiling has told a court he was storing them for an acquaintance and unaware of their origin.

Charles Matthews, 55, said he had no idea the haul, which included 50 diamonds and carved emeralds and was worth tens of thousands of pounds, had been illicitly obtained, Southwark Crown Court heard.

The items were discovered at London City Metals in east London during a police search on August 5 2015. They were found to have been stolen from a London jewellers several years previously, the court heard.

The diamonds were worth £48,750; a sapphire, ruby and diamond bracelet was valued at $11,160 (£8,779.85), while a pair of emerald earrings was estimated at some $40,110, (£31,556) prosecutor Philip Evans QC said.

Matthews, known as “Chick”, told jurors he had been given a box just before Christmas in 2014 for safekeeping by a man called James Tibbs, but was unaware what was inside.

He said he had known Mr Tibbs for more than 15 years, knew he traded in jewels and said he had bought a £5,000 watch and earrings from him.

Giving evidence, Matthews said: “He asked me if he could put it in my safe for the Christmas period and I said ‘yes’.” Matthews, of Virginia Water, Surrey, denies handling stolen goods.

The case continues.