In the early hours of Sept. 14, 2019, a unique 18-carat gold toilet was stolen from Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill. Prosecutor Julian Christopher described the theft as an “audacious raid.” The toilet, valued at £4.8 million, was never recovered, though it’s believed to have been cut up and sold. The artwork, “America” by Maurizio Cattelan, had previously been displayed at The Guggenheim Museum.
Michael Jones, one of the defendants, had visited Blenheim Palace twice to photograph the window and toilet door. He later participated in the heist, which caused damage to the UNESCO site. Jones was assisted by James Sheen, who brokered the sale of the stolen gold.
