The Welsh Government is holding a public consultation on whether the “ignorance defence” for damaging an ancient monument (saying the accused was unaware of its status or location) should be restricted.
Successful prosecutions are very rare. Between 2006 and 2012, Cadw received reports of 119 cases of unlawful damage to scheduled ancient monuments in Wales but there has only been one successful prosecution under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 in the last 25 years. That is surely a ridiculous state of affairs? Over the years hundreds of the most important sites have been damaged and only once has a culprit been punished! What do YOU think? Responses have been invited from any individuals or groups with an interest in the historic environment of Wales. You can submit your views here.
Of course, there are certain measures that could be taken to discourage heritage crime, certainly at the Nine Ladies. You’re welcome to suggest some of your own!
The Heritage Journal 
3 comments
Comments feed for this article
04/04/2014 at 08:03
Diana Baur
There are still some stocks at Chirk Castle……….
05/04/2014 at 08:40
Mark Griffiths
Funnily enough I did a blog on this very subject a whiles back! Anyone wishing to make a response to the WAG and wanting to know exactly what is being tabled for amendment, I’ve put the links to the Act itself in my blog here>http://marrrkusss.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/amendments-to-heritage-bill.html
(Apologies for the self-publicity, but I think it’s warranted in this instance!)
05/04/2014 at 20:15
Nigel de Bray
If ignorance is accepted as a defence then no monument is safe!!!!