Three men convicted of stealing lead from churches in 10 counties including Norfolk and Suffolk
It's thought the group caused ÂŁ1.25m worth of damage
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 ÂŁ1.25m 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