A fugitive named George Whittaker, 43, was captured in Edinburgh after complaining to the police about his ‘hungover’ mugshot. Whittaker, who was wanted for breaching his license due to stealing £3 million worth of Viking treasure, demanded that the police use a better picture of him on their Facebook appeal to find him. He claimed that the original mugshot was taken after a ‘three day bender’ and posted a smiling picture of himself with a tan and sunglasses.
Whittaker, who also goes by the names George Blackbeard and George Powell, had unearthed coins, jewellery, and silver ingots dating back 1,100 years but did not declare the find or hand over the Viking haul. He was convicted at Worcester Crown Court of theft, conspiracy to conceal criminal property, and conspiracy to convert criminal property. Despite his complaints about the sentence he received, he was ordered to pay back £601,250 at a Proceeds of Crime Hearing in 2022 but has not disclosed the whereabouts of the coins he found.
Whittaker expressed his frustration with the legal system, claiming that he was wrongly convicted for finding treasure in a field where he had permission to be on. He argued that his actions were not criminal since the items had been in the ground for 1,500 years and were not reported lost or stolen. Despite serving a lengthy sentence, he maintained his innocence and criticized the justice system for treating him unfairly compared to other offenders.
Following his arrest in Edinburgh, Gwent Police confirmed that Whittaker, also known as George Powell, was in custody. Whittaker’s case raises questions about the complexities of the legal system and the challenges faced by individuals who believe they have been unjustly convicted. It also highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in cases involving valuable historical artifacts and the need for clear guidelines on their discovery and ownership.
The story of George Whittaker serves as a reminder of the intricate issues surrounding criminal cases, sentencing, and the recovery of stolen property. It also sheds light on the personal struggles and frustrations experienced by individuals who feel that they have been wronged by the legal system. Whittaker’s journey from a wanted fugitive to a convicted criminal underscores the complexities of justice and the ongoing debates about fairness, restitution, and accountability in cases involving valuable assets with historical significance.
