UK Court Hears Trial Over £2.8M Stolen Gold Toilet Heist

A trial is underway concerning the audacious theft of a gold toilet, valued at approximately £4.8 million, from Blenheim Palace in September 2019. The fully functioning toilet, titled 'America' and created by artist Maurizio Cattelan, was taken in a meticulously planned raid that lasted only five minutes, during which thieves used sledgehammers to break in and caused significant damage. Prosecutor Julian Christopher KC outlined that the toilet was never recovered and is believed to have been split into smaller quantities of gold and disposed of thereafter. Michael Jones, one of the defendants, has pleaded not guilty to burglary, while two others face conspiracy charges in connection with the sale of the stolen gold. The high-profile case highlights not only the audacity of the theft but also the complexities involved in recovering high-value stolen art. The trial is expected to last four weeks as the court examines the details of the crime and the role of each defendant.