A man involved in a plot to steal a £4.75 million gold toilet from Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, has been handed a suspended sentence. The 18-carat gold toilet, known as America, was stolen from the Oxfordshire palace in September 2019.
Frederick Doe, also known as Frederick Sines, from Windsor, Berkshire, was found guilty of conspiracy to convert or transfer criminal property in March. He was sentenced to 21 months in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered to do 240 hours of unpaid work by Judge Ian Pringle KC at Oxford Crown Court.
Doe was described as a middleman targeted by James Sheen, who masterminded the theft, exploiting Doe’s knowledge of valuable watches and contacts in the jewelry district of Hatton Garden. Sheen, along with Michael Jones, orchestrated the theft and subsequent sale of the gold.
Sheen, from Wellingborough, pleaded guilty to burglary, conspiracy to transfer criminal property, and transferring criminal property. Jones, from Oxford, initially denied involvement but was later found guilty of burglary. Both Sheen and Jones are awaiting sentencing.
After the sentence was passed, Doe expressed regret for his actions, claiming he was taken advantage of by the perpetrators. He maintained his innocence, stating he was a good person who had been misled. Doe left the court surrounded by friends, who echoed his sentiments of his character.
The theft of the golden toilet involved a carefully planned raid by five individuals, with only Sheen and Jones apprehended. Armed with sledgehammers and a crowbar, the thieves forcibly removed the toilet from Blenheim Palace in a matter of minutes, escaping with the valuable artwork.
Sheen made contact with Doe shortly after the burglary, discussing the sale of the stolen gold through coded messages. The gold toilet, created by artist Maurizio Cattelan, was a prominent exhibit at the palace before its theft, valued at £4.75 million and insured accordingly.
Despite efforts by law enforcement, none of the stolen gold has been recovered, leading authorities to believe it was likely melted down or sold soon after the theft. Sheen’s DNA was found at the crime scene, linking him directly to the heist, while Jones admitted to utilizing the toilet before its disappearance, describing it as “splendid.”
The saga of the stolen golden toilet from Blenheim Palace serves as a reminder of the audacious nature of art theft and the lengths individuals will go to for financial gain. The intricate planning and execution of the theft underscore the challenges faced by authorities in combating such crimes and recovering stolen treasures.
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