Army veteran in ‘guns theft’

AN ex-Army captain has gone on trial accused of stealing Ministry of Defence rifles and passing them on to enthusiasts.

Peter Laidler, 71, allegedly took guns worth tens of thousands of pounds while working for the MoD at Warminster, Wilts, between 1998 and 2016.

Laidler, of Marcham, Oxon, denies 13 counts of theft and one of handling stolen goods. Three other men also deny handling and the trial at Winchester crown court continues.