Man Sentenced Over Blenheim Palace Gold Toilet Theft

Frederick Doe, also known as Frederick Sines, received a 21-month suspended sentence and 240 hours of unpaid work for his limited role after the £4.75 million theft of the 18-carat gold toilet artwork called 'America' from Blenheim Palace in 2019. Doe was convicted of conspiracy to transfer criminal property after assisting burglar James Sheen in selling some of the stolen gold, with the court emphasizing Doe's lack of personal gain and brief involvement. Judge Ian Pringle KC also noted Doe's previously good character and that he was targeted due to legitimate jewellery trade contacts. The stolen artwork, created by Maurizio Cattelan, remains unrecovered and is believed to have been broken up and disposed of. Other gang members, including Sheen and Michael Jones, are scheduled to be sentenced in June. Outside court, Doe expressed regret for his actions and said he wanted to return to his family.