LONDON — On Tuesday, a thief and his accomplice were found guilty concerning the theft of a golden toilet from a renowned English palace. The extravagant plumbing piece, made from 18-carat gold and insured for almost 5 million pounds (exceeding $6 million), was stolen in broad daylight.
Michael Jones had a chance to use this unique toilet during a reconnaissance visit at Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of British wartime leader Winston Churchill, just one day before the heist. Jones described the experience as “splendid.”
In the early hours of September 14, 2019, Jones along with at least two others, arrived with sledgehammers and crowbars in hand. They shattered a window, and within a matter of minutes, they removed the toilet from its fixtures, causing a flood as they fled in stolen vehicles.
“This was a meticulously planned and boldly executed operation,” said the prosecution. However, the thieves neglected to cover their tracks, leaving a trail of forensic evidence, CCTV footage, and phone data that led to their capture.
Despite the meticulous planning, the stolen toilet has never been found. Authorities believe it was dismantled and sold off in parts. This satirical piece, named “America” by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, commented on the absurdities of extreme wealth, weighing in at over 215 pounds (98 kilograms). At that time, the gold’s worth was estimated at 2.8 million ($3.6 million).
Previously, this piece was on exhibit at The Guggenheim Museum in New York, which famously offered it to U.S. President Donald Trump after he requested a Van Gogh piece during his first term.
At Oxford Crown Court, the 39-year-old Jones was judged guilty of burglary. Meanwhile, the mastermind behind the heist, James Sheen, 40, had earlier admitted to charges of burglary, conspiracy, and handling criminal proceeds.
Sheen had arranged with Fred Doe to profit from the stolen item, prosecutors stated. In several text exchanges, Sheen veil-referred to the ill-gotten gains as a “car”, discussing them with Doe. “I’ll link up with ya, I got something right up your path,” a message from Sheen read. Doe, also known as Frederick Sines, 36, responded, “I can sell that car for you in two seconds … so come and see me tomorrow.”
Ultimately, Doe was found guilty of conspiring to transfer criminal property. Meanwhile, Bora Guccuk, age 41, who faced similar conspiracy charges, was acquitted by the jury.
