Golden Shitter Heist: Duo Convicted in $6M Royal Flush at Churchill's Birthplace
In a case that sounds like something straight out of a heist movie, two men have been found guilty of stealing a $6.2 million golden toilet from Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill. The audacious crime took place back in 2019, and now the culprits are facing the consequences of their actions.
Michael Jones, 39, was the mastermind behind the theft, managing to swipe the 18-karat-gold toilet in less than five minutes. He was joined by his accomplice, Frederick Doe, 38, who helped him resell parts of the stolen artwork. The Oxford Crown Court revealed the details of their wild escapade, which included a pre-dawn raid that left the palace with significant flood damage.
On September 14, 2019, Jones made his move after conducting what he called “reconnaissance” at the palace just a day earlier. The heist unfolded when Jones and another accomplice, James Sheen, 40, smashed a window and yanked the golden throne from its plumbing, making a hasty getaway in stolen vehicles.
Prosecutor Shan Saunders described the heist as “audacious” and noted that while it was carefully planned, the thieves were not careful enough to cover their tracks. Investigators quickly pieced together a trail of evidence, including forensics, CCTV footage, and phone data, which ultimately led to their convictions.
Jones was found guilty of burglary, while Doe was convicted of conspiracy to transfer criminal property. Sheen had previously pleaded guilty to burglary in connection with the crime. A fourth suspect, Bora Guccuk, was acquitted of charges related to selling the gold.
The stolen toilet was part of an art installation titled “America,” created by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan. This piece was a satirical commentary on the excessive wealth in the United States and was insured for a staggering $6 million at the time of the theft. Interestingly, the toilet had previously been on display at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City, where it even received some curious visitors.
Unfortunately, the golden toilet has never been recovered and is believed to have been dismantled and sold off after the heist. During the trial, Jones even humorously recounted his experience of using the toilet, describing it as “splendid.” This bizarre case has captured the public's imagination, highlighting the lengths some will go for a piece of art, even if it’s a toilet.
