Letter 'sought to negotiate reward'

Mar 4 2010

A senior insurance adviser contacted police after receiving a letter seeking to negotiate a reward for the safe return of a stolen Leonardo da Vinci artwork, a court heard.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard the "strictly private and confidential" letter, said to have come from Lancashire-based Marshall Ronald, stated he was part of a team that could negotiate the "safe and speedy" return of the precious artwork through "informal mediation".

Chartered loss adjuster Mark Dalrymple, who received the correspondence, said he found the letter "deceptive" and contacted police.