Having now listened to the ninth and final episode about the thefts at the British Museum, I am left with one very obvious question.

If it is as clear as it appears to be that the thief is Peter Higgs, the former acting Keeper of the Department of Greek and Roman Antiquities, then why hasn’t he being prosecuted ? And why is the museum itself having to launch civil proceedings ?  If theft in a senior position in a government funded institution does not lead to prosecution, then what hope is there for the law ? 

I know that the man who stole Goya’s portrait of Wellington from the National Gallery was only prosecuted for damage to the frame, but does this mean there is some kind of immunity from prosecution for theft of works of art, providing they are not damaged ?

Of course, the police refused to intervene when half the senior civil service and the Prime Minister himself was breaking the law in 10, Downing Street.  Even now, I’m not sure anyone was prosecuted except for the poor people who were copped for having drinks with friends.

Perhaps a lawyer can explain.