Jury Convicts Thief Who Stole Priceless Golden Toilet from the English Palace!
The Audacious Theft of a Golden Toilet
In an astonishing turn of events, a thief and his accomplice were convicted on Tuesday for their involvement in stealing an 18-carat golden toilet from Blenheim Palace in 2019. The toilet, a one-of-a-kind work of art, was valued at nearly £5 million ($6 million) and was created by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan. The theft, which took place in the early hours of September 14, 2019, shocked the world due to its boldness and audacity.
A Thief’s ‘Splendid’ Experience
Michael Jones, one of the convicted criminals, had a unique opportunity to use the golden toilet just one day before the heist. During his reconnaissance at Blenheim Palace, where British wartime leader Winston Churchill was born, Jones reportedly described the experience as “splendid.” Little did anyone know, Jones had already planned to return later that night with accomplices to steal the golden toilet.
The Heist in Action
On the day of the theft, Jones, along with at least two other men, returned to Blenheim Palace before dawn, armed with sledgehammers and crowbars. They smashed a window and quickly removed the toilet from its plumbing, causing a flood in the process. The entire operation took only five minutes, but the damage was significant. The thieves escaped with the toilet in stolen vehicles, leaving a trail of forensic evidence, CCTV footage, and phone data that would later lead to their convictions.
The Art Piece: “America” by Maurizio Cattelan
The golden toilet, titled “America,” was a satirical art piece by Maurizio Cattelan that poked fun at excessive wealth. Weighing over 215 pounds (98 kilograms), the fully functioning toilet was crafted from 18-carat gold. The piece had previously been on display at The Guggenheim Museum in New York, where it was offered to U.S. President Donald Trump during his first term in office.
The Aftermath: A Thwarted Crime and a Stolen Treasure
Despite the audacious nature of the crime, the golden toilet has never been recovered. It is believed that the thieves melted it down and sold the gold. Jones was convicted of burglary in Oxford Crown Court, while James Sheen, the mastermind behind the plot, had already pleaded guilty to burglary, conspiracy, and transferring criminal property.
The Role of the Middleman and Accomplices
James Sheen, 40, worked to broker a deal for selling the stolen gold with Fred Doe, also known as Frederick Sines, 36. In a series of text messages, Sheen referred to the stolen toilet as a “car,” attempting to conceal the nature of the stolen goods. Doe, who was involved in the transfer of the property, was convicted of conspiracy to transfer criminal property.
Uncertain Outcome for Other Suspects
While Jones and Sheen were convicted, a fourth man, Bora Guccuk, 41, was acquitted by jurors. The conviction marks the end of a bizarre and highly publicized case, with the fate of the stolen art piece still unresolved.
