Man involved in theft of solid-gold toilet worth ₹54 crore gets suspended sentence in UK
In a bizarre case, a man involved in the theft of a solid-gold toilet worth £4.5 million (approximately ₹54 crore) from the UK’s Blenheim Palace has been given a 21-month suspended sentence. The toilet, named “America”, was stolen in a daring five-minute raid in 2019. The accused, Frederick Doe, claimed that he didn’t know the toilet was stolen when he offered to help sell it.
The theft of the solid-gold toilet, which was part of a 18th-century art collection at Blenheim Palace, was considered one of the most brazen and high-profile crimes in recent times. The toilet, made by Italian artist David Harber, was valued at £4.5 million and was considered a priceless piece of art.
According to reports, Frederick Doe, a 25-year-old man from London, was accused of offering to help sell the toilet on the black market. However, he claimed that he didn’t know the toilet was stolen and was unaware of its true value. Doe was arrested in 2019 after an investigation by the Thames Valley Police.
During his trial, Doe’s defence team argued that he was a small-time criminal who was not involved in the theft itself, but was rather approached by someone who offered him a large sum of money to help sell the toilet. However, the prosecution argued that Doe was aware that the toilet was stolen and was trying to profit from its sale.
After a lengthy trial, a judge at the Oxford Crown Court delivered a verdict that has left many in the UK scratching their heads. Despite being found guilty of handling stolen goods, Frederick Doe was given a 21-month suspended sentence, meaning he will not have to serve time in jail unless he breaks the law again.
The verdict has sparked outrage among many in the UK, who have questioned the severity of the sentence. “It’s an absolute joke,” said one Twitter user. “If he had stolen a gold toilet, he should have gotten a gold sentence – a long one.”
Others have pointed out that the sentence is a stark contrast to that given to other criminals who have committed similar crimes. “This is a clear example of the judiciary system failing to deliver justice,” said a commentator. “If this man had stolen a small item, he would have gotten a much harsher sentence. But because it’s a gold toilet, he gets a slap on the wrist.”
Despite the controversy surrounding the sentence, the authorities have praised the investigation and the work of the Thames Valley Police in bringing the perpetrator to justice. “We welcome the sentence and are grateful that the thief has been brought to justice,” said a spokesperson for the police. “We hope that this case will serve as a warning to anyone who thinks they can get away with stealing valuable items.”
The theft of the solid-gold toilet has sent shockwaves around the world, with many people expressing outrage and disbelief at the brazen nature of the crime. The incident has also raised questions about the security measures in place at Blenheim Palace, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK.
In conclusion, the case of Frederick Doe and the theft of the solid-gold toilet is a bizarre and intriguing one. While the sentence may have been unexpected, it is clear that the authorities are committed to bringing thieves to justice and protecting the valuable items that are in their care.
Source:
