Man Admits Stealing Golden Toilet from Blenheim Palace

In September 2019, a man named James Sheen pleaded guilty to the theft of a £4.8 million golden toilet from Blenheim Palace. The 18-carat toilet was stolen while it was featured in an art exhibition at the palace. Sheen, who is from Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, pleaded guilty to burglary, converting or transferring criminal property, and conspiracy to do the same at Oxford Crown Court. At the time of his guilty plea, Sheen was already serving a 17-year sentence for a series of thefts, including the theft of £400,000-worth of tractors and high-value trophies from the National Horse Racing Museum in Newmarket.

Three other men also faced charges related to the theft of the golden toilet. Michael Jones, from Oxford, was accused of burglary, while Frederick Sines and Bora Guccuck, from Ascot, Berkshire, and west London respectively, were accused of conspiracy to transfer criminal property. These three men pleaded not guilty to the charges. The trial for these individuals is set to begin on February 24, 2025. The theft of the golden toilet from Blenheim Palace garnered significant media attention due to the audacity and high value of the stolen item.

The stolen 18-carat golden toilet had been featured in an art exhibition at Blenheim Palace before it was taken. The golden toilet, created by artist Maurizio Cattelan, was fully functional and made entirely of gold. The piece, titled “America,” had been on display at the palace as part of an exhibition showcasing contemporary art. The theft of such a unique and valuable item raised questions about security measures at the stately home and the vulnerability of high-value artworks on display in public spaces.

James Sheen, the man who pleaded guilty to the theft of the golden toilet, appeared at Oxford Crown Court via video link from HMP Five Wells, where he was already serving a sentence for previous thefts. Sheen’s guilty plea shed light on the organized nature of the crime, as he admitted to burglary, converting or transferring criminal property, and conspiracy to do the same. The involvement of multiple individuals in the theft of the golden toilet highlighted the coordinated effort required to carry out such a high-profile heist.

The trial of the three men who pleaded not guilty to charges related to the theft of the golden toilet is scheduled to take place in February 2025. Michael Jones, Frederick Sines, and Bora Guccuck are facing accusations of burglary and conspiracy to transfer criminal property in connection with the stolen 18-carat golden toilet. The outcome of the trial will determine the extent of their involvement in the theft and shed further light on the circumstances surrounding the high-profile heist at Blenheim Palace. The trial is expected to be closely watched by the media and art world, given the unusual nature of the stolen item and the intricate planning required to carry out the theft.