During a recent court hearing, CCTV footage was displayed showing the theft of a valuable solid gold toilet, known as America, which was valued at £4.8m. The incident took place at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire in the early hours of Saturday, 14 September 2019. Michael Jones, a 39-year-old from Oxford, is currently facing charges of burglary in relation to the theft. Additionally, Fred Doe, aged 36 from Windsor, and 41-year-old Bora Guccuk from west London, are both denying allegations of conspiring to transfer stolen property.
The video footage, which was presented during the trial at Oxford Crown Court, captured the moment two vehicles drove across the Great Courtyard before a group of masked individuals armed with sledgehammers and a large crowbar smashed their way into the palace. One of the criminals was seen carrying a golden toilet seat as they made their escape. The daring heist was carried out with precision, with the thieves making off with the valuable artwork despite security measures in place at the historic estate.
The theft of the solid gold toilet, designed by artist Maurizio Cattelan, has sparked widespread interest and concern within the art world. The audacious crime was executed in a matter of minutes, leaving authorities baffled by the sheer boldness of the thieves. As the trial unfolds, more details are expected to emerge about the events leading up to and following the brazen robbery at Blenheim Palace. Despite the high value of the stolen item, the culprits remain at large, adding an air of mystery to the ongoing investigation
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