A SIGNED first edition of a book worth £100,000 has been recovered two-and-a-half years after it was stolen.
The 147-year-old copy of The Origin of Species, by world-famous Victorian scientist Charles Darwin, was taken from Down House, Luxted Road, Downe, in February 2004.
An initial investigation was unsuccessful but a recent new lead led to the case being reopened.
As a result, Amir Adam Ladak was charged with the theft of the book and it has been returned to English Heritage, which owns the site.
Ladak, of Meadvale Road, Ealing, pleaded guilty to the theft at Bromley Magistrates' Court on August 1.
He was released on unconditional bail and will appear for sentencing at Croydon Crown Court at a later date.
Chief Inspector Ian Gallehawk, head of operations at Bromley police, said: "I would like to congratulate Det Cons Dave Ryan and our forensic team on a painstaking investigation.
"We are delighted to return this book to Down House."
English Heritage, which received the book from Bromley police last month, is currently considering whether to display it again.
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