Two men have been sentenced for stealing a £4.8 million (Rs. 1.84 billion) solid gold toilet from an art exhibition at Blenheim Palace in September 2019. The 18-carat gold toilet, part of Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan’s exhibit titled America, was stolen just hours after its launch party.
James “Jimmy” Sheen, 40, pleaded guilty in 2024 to burglary, transferring criminal property, and conspiracy, while Michael Jones, 39, was found guilty of burglary in March 2025. Sheen received a four-year prison sentence, to be served consecutively with a 19-year sentence for previous crimes, and Jones was sentenced to two years and three months.
The heist was described by Judge Ian Pringle KC as “bold and brazen,” taking no more than five and a half minutes. Sheen’s DNA was found on the sledgehammer used to remove the toilet, and incriminating messages on his phone revealed attempts to sell parts of the gold. Within two weeks, Sheen had sold about 20kg of the gold for £520,000 (Rs. 199.64 million).
Jones, who worked as a roofer for Sheen, conducted reconnaissance visits to Blenheim Palace, including booking a time slot to use the gold toilet just before the theft. He took photos inside the cubicle and confirmed using the toilet during the trial.
Thames Valley Police arrested 12 people in connection with the case, but only four faced charges. Some burglars remain unidentified and at large. Police continue to investigate and urge anyone with information to come forward.
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