Shakespeare folio is returned

A rare edition of Shakespeare's First Folio has been returned to its rightful owner, Durham University, after the trial of Raymond Scott has come to an end.

The man has been cleared of stealing the works, printed in 1623, but has been found guilty of handing stolen goods and removing the copy from the UK.

It had been stolen, along with other books of cultural heritage including a fragment of a poem by Geoffrey Chaucer, from the university in 1998.

Two years ago Mr Scott handed the folio to the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington DC where academics made the connection to the stolen edition.

Mr Scott's sentence has not been announced, but the judge said that he faced a 'substantial custodial sentence'.

Writer and chancellor of the university Bill Bryson, said: 'Shakespeare's First Folio is arguably the most important book in English literature.

'It is fantastic that Durham's copy is coming home at last. I look forward to joining everyone in welcoming this wonderfully important book home to the university and the city when it eventually goes on display.'