LONDON: A thief who stole a golden toilet from an English palace was convicted, along with an accomplice who profited from the crime.
Michael Jones stole the 18-carat gold toilet from Blenheim Palace, Winston Churchill’s birthplace, in September 2019.
He had previously visited the palace, using the fully functional toilet and calling the experience “splendid,” prosecutors revealed.
Jones and at least two others broke into the palace before dawn, armed with sledgehammers and crowbars.
Within five minutes, they removed the toilet, causing flooding and escaping in stolen vehicles.
Planned Crime
Prosecutor Shan Saunders said the heist was carefully organized but left behind forensic evidence, CCTV footage, and phone records.
The stolen toilet, named “America,” was created by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan as a satire on wealth.
It weighed over 215 pounds (98 kilograms) and was insured for nearly £5 million ($6 million).
At the time of the theft, the gold alone was valued at £2.8 million ($3.6 million).
The artwork was previously displayed at The Guggenheim Museum in New York before being exhibited at Blenheim Palace.
Criminal Network
Jones, 39, was convicted of burglary at Oxford Crown Court for his role in the daring heist.
The theft was orchestrated by James Sheen, 40, who had previously pleaded guilty to burglary and conspiracy.
Sheen attempted to profit from the stolen toilet by brokering a deal with Fred Doe to sell the gold.
In coded text messages, Sheen referred to the stolen toilet as a “car” while arranging the transaction.
“I can sell that car for you in two seconds,” Doe responded in a message, confirming his role in the deal.
Court Verdict
Doe, also known as Frederick Sines, 36, was convicted of conspiracy to transfer criminal property.
Meanwhile, a fourth suspect, Bora Guccuk, 41, was acquitted of conspiracy charges after the trial.
Authorities believe the stolen toilet was cut into pieces and sold, making recovery unlikely.
Despite its disappearance, the evidence against the thieves was overwhelming, leading to their convictions.
The case highlights the lengths criminals will go to steal valuable and unique art pieces.
Artistic Irony
The golden toilet was originally a satirical commentary on wealth and excess in modern society.
Ironically, it became the target of a real-life crime driven by greed, reinforcing the artist’s message.
The Guggenheim had once offered the golden toilet to former US President Donald Trump instead of a Van Gogh painting.
Following the heist, security measures at museums and galleries displaying high-value artworks have been re-evaluated.
With the convictions secured, authorities hope to deter future high-profile art thefts.
