A man accused of swallowing a Fabergé locket worth more than $33,500 during an alleged theft at an Auckland jewellery store has appeared in the Auckland District Court.
He was remanded in custody without a plea until next Monday.
Police had been called at 3.30pm on November 28 to the store in Auckland city where a man was accused of picking up a Fabergé James Bond Octopussy Egg pendant and swallowing it.
Court documents reveal the pendant was worth $33,585.
Inspector Grae Anderson told RNZ the man underwent a medical assessment at the time of his arrest and an officer had been assigned to constantly monitor him.
Police confirmed the item was back in their possession on Friday.
An online listing for the locket said it had been crafted from 18ct yellow gold and set with 60 white diamonds and 15 blue sapphires.
A golden octopus inside the locket was set with two black diamonds for eyes.
In a statement released to RNZ, Partridge Jewellers confirmed the attempted theft took place at its Queen St store.
“The store management team responded immediately, and police were on site to detain the person in question within minutes.
“The safety of Partridge’s clients and staff is the highest priority, and the team is grateful for the police’s swift support in dealing with the situation, which is now in the hands of legal professionals.”
Partridge said the pendant would be returned to Fabergé.
