James Sheen confesses to the 2019 theft of a valuable golden toilet from an art exhibition at Blenheim Palace, resulting in significant damage to the historical site.
James Sheen, from Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, has confessed to the theft of a valuable 18-carat golden toilet valued at £4.8 million from Blenheim Palace. His plea was entered at Oxford Crown Court, acknowledging his involvement in the September 2019 burglary during an art exhibition. Sheen, who is currently serving a 17-year prison sentence for unrelated thefts, made his confession via a video link from prison.
The stolen golden toilet, created by artist Maurizio Cattelan, was part of an exhibition at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, the birthplace of Winston Churchill. The theft resulted in flooding and damage to the historic site.
In addition to Sheen, three other individuals are implicated in the case. Michael Jones is charged with burglary, while Frederick Sines and Bora Guccuk face charges of conspiracy to transfer criminal property. These men have denied their charges and are scheduled to stand trial in February 2025.
The theft of the golden toilet from Blenheim Palace has garnered significant public and media attention, highlighting the audacity of the crime and its impact on the art world and the historical site. Legal proceedings are ongoing to address the involvement of the other accused individuals in the heist.
