Man guilty over £4.8m Blenheim Palace heist
A man was found guilty of stealing £4.8 million in gold toilets at an art exhibition held in Blenheim Palace.
After a charming launch party at the stately home in Oxfordshire in September 2019, the thief smashed his own way and tore open the full-featured toilet.
Michael Jones was convicted of planning a burglary. The jury is still considering a verdict on Fred Doe and Bora Guccuk, who are charged with conspiracy to sell gold.
Kingpin James Sheen previously admitted to being part of a gang that stole the toilet.
Oxford Crown Court previously heard that thieves stole a full-featured toilet in a raid, which took only five minutes.
It weighs 98 kg (216 lbs) and is insured for $6 million (£4.8 million).
The court was told that the price of gold at that time would have seen the metal worth £2.8 million.
The artwork, called America, is part of an exhibition by Italian concept artist Maurizio Cattelan.
Jurors heard that this was likely broken down and never recovered.
Jones, 39, from Oxford, was convicted of burglary.
The jury has obtained a majority from Windsor and Mr Guccuk, 41, of West London, who are both charged with conspiracy to transfer criminal property.
