Stolen rare pink diamond 'may never be found'
The pink Argyle diamond allegedly stolen from Cairns retailer. (Supplied) Supplied
A jewel thief who told police he swallowed a rare pink diamond nearly a month ago is yet to pass the gem, leading officer's to suspect the sparkler may never be found.
English backpacker Matthew Osborne, 29, allegedly snatched the jewel out of the Cairns-based jeweller's hands on February 15 before taking off.
Osborne was eventually arrested on February 20.
After telling police that he "swallowed the gem", officers closely followed his movements.
In a new twist, police are now looking at the possibility the jewel had been mailed overseas or hidden somewhere in Australia.
X-rays taken of Osborne have so far proved inconclusive and police believe they may never find the diamond.
Jeweller Keith Bird has said he's hopeful the diamond will be returned because he already has a potential buyer.
Osborne, who is in custody, will reappear in the Cairns Magistrates Court next week charged with stealing property of a value greater than $5000.
He faces up to ten years in prison if found guilty.
Source: AAP, Courier-Mail
Author: Natasha Lee, Approving editor: Matthew Henry
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