" Trial of the Golden Toilet thieves ... 3 individuals face charges while the piece is still missing."

Alsharq Tribune - The Times 

In the early hours of September 14, 2019, an 18-carat gold toilet, valued at £4.8 million, was stolen from Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill.

The fully functional artwork, titled "America" by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, had been installed as part of an exhibition.

The theft caused significant flooding and structural damage, as the toilet was plumbed into the building's water system. 

CCTV footage presented during the trial at Oxford Crown Court revealed that the heist was executed in under five minutes.

Five masked burglars used two stolen vehicles to crash through the palace gates. They then smashed windows and doors to access and remove the gold lavatory.

The thieves left behind sledgehammers used in the operation. 

Prosecutors described the theft as an "audacious raid." Michael Jones, one of the accused, allegedly conducted reconnaissance visits prior to the burglary.

He, along with Frederick Doe and Bora Guccuk, is currently on trial. All have pleaded not guilty to their respective charges.

A fourth individual, James Sheen, has already admitted to burglary and conspiracy to transfer criminal property. 

Investigations suggest that the stolen artwork was likely melted down and sold in parts. Messages between the accused indicate negotiations for the gold's sale by weight.

Despite multiple arrests, the original piece has never been recovered. 

The trial is expected to last four weeks, as authorities continue to unravel the details of this high-profile art theft.

The incident has raised concerns about the security of valuable artworks displayed in public venues. 

This daring heist has captivated the public's attention, highlighting vulnerabilities in art security and the audacity of modern-day thieves.