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Written by Clodagh Stenson from BBC South Investigations, a recent heist involving a solid gold toilet at Blenheim Palace was described by Judge Ian Pringle KC as “bold and brazen”, taking a mere five-and-a-half minutes to accomplish. The artwork, titled America by Maurizio Cattelan, was targeted just days after being put on display. One of the key players in the crime, James Sheen, was convicted of both burglary and selling the stolen gold. His DNA was found at the scene, along with gold fragments in his clothing, and incriminating messages on his phone.
During the trial, voice messages between Sheen and Fred Doe were played, showcasing coded language, Romany slang, and Cockney rhyming slang. Sheen was found to have sold a portion of the stolen gold to an unknown buyer in Birmingham for over half a million pounds. A BBC investigation revealed Sheen’s extensive criminal history, where he led organized crime groups and made millions through fraud and theft, with little money being recovered by authorities. Despite the damning evidence, there was no reaction from the convicted men during their sentencing.
Jones, who worked for Sheen, was also involved in the heist, conducting reconnaissance at Blenheim Palace prior to the raid. With prior convictions, Jones booked a visit to use the gold toilet, taking selfies with it just before the burglary. The judge highlighted Jones’s involvement, emphasizing his knowledge of the palace layout. Detective Superintendent Bruce Riddell labeled Sheen as the mastermind behind the heist, driven by the urge to make money by any means. The CPS described the case as extraordinary and audacious, noting the extensive evidence left by the perpetrators.
Following the arrest of 12 individuals in the case, Sheen and Jones were released but only charged after four years. Despite digital devices and forensic evidence slowing the investigation, additional burglars from the CCTV footage remain at large. Det Supt Riddell expressed confidence in identifying two other suspects, urging anyone with information to come forward. Two of the arrested individuals did not meet the threshold for charges, with authorities appealing for assistance in bringing the remaining perpetrators to justice
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