A carefully crafted deception unfolded in the fields of Lincolnshire, culminating in a former Royal Navy serviceman receiving a suspended prison sentence. Jason Price fabricated the discovery of a remarkable Roman brooch, a piece that briefly captivated historians and the public alike.
Price claimed to unearth the 1,800-year-old copper-alloy horse brooch near Leasingham in 2019, during a charity event supporting veterans. He described finding the artifact buried under just eight inches of soil, a seemingly straightforward discovery that quickly gained attention.
The “Leasingham horse brooch,” as it became known, was deemed a significant archaeological find. It was proudly displayed at The Collection Museum in Lincoln and even featured on the popular Channel 4 program, *Great British History Hunters*, lending an air of authenticity to Price’s story.
Price wasn’t content with a single discovery. He reported finding a Roman knee brooch in Long Bennington, an area already renowned for its Roman history, which was officially recorded as treasure under the Treasure Act. He further claimed to have located two Roman hoards, complete with a Bronze Age axe and various figurines.
However, the illusion began to crumble. Investigators discovered that many of the items Price presented as finds were, in fact, purchased online. The elaborate scheme was built on a foundation of carefully constructed lies, designed to exploit a system built on trust.
At Lincoln Crown Court, Price admitted to four counts of fraud by false representation. He was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, and ordered to pay £3,250 in compensation to Lincolnshire County Council. The court also mandated 150 hours of unpaid work and up to 10 days of rehabilitation activities.
The impact of Price’s actions extended beyond financial loss. His fraudulent claims threatened to undermine the integrity of the Portable Antiquities Scheme, a vital process for recording and preserving Britain’s historical heritage. The reputation of the Roxholm, Haconby, and Long Bennington areas, rich in archaeological significance, was also put at risk.
Officials expressed deep disappointment at the betrayal of public trust. The incident, though rare, served as a stark reminder of the need for rigorous examination and verification when assessing potential historical artifacts. The system, thankfully, had safeguards in place to prevent lasting damage.
The case highlights the delicate balance between public enthusiasm for historical discovery and the necessity for careful scrutiny. While the vast majority of finds are reported with genuine intent, Price’s deception serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of protecting our shared heritage from exploitation.
