Harry Potter thief accused in court

A print worker is due in court today accused of stealing copies of chapters of JK Rowling's new Harry Potter book. Donald Parfitt, 44, of Worlingham, Suffolk, will appear before magistrates in Lowestoft, Suffolk.

Police said Parfitt was an employee of Clays printers in Bungay, Suffolk, where the book is being printed. Three teenagers are also due before the court accused of handling stolen property after alleged attempts were made to sell copies of chapters of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - the fifth of JK Rowling's Harry Potter series.

Police said they were Garry Cox, 18, from Harleston, Norfolk, and two 16-year-old boys from Beccles, Suffolk, who have not been named. Charges were brought after pages from the book, which is not out until June 21, were found on Bungay Common by a member of the public on Monday May 5.