Fact Check: During the heist, the thieves completed the theft of the gold toilet in no more than five-and-a-half minutes, according to Judge Ian Pringle KC.

Fact Check: "During the heist, the thieves completed the theft of the gold toilet in no more than five-and-a-half minutes, according to Judge Ian Pringle KC."

What We Know

The claim regarding the duration of the gold toilet heist is substantiated by multiple credible sources. During the sentencing of the two men involved in the theft, Judge Ian Pringle KC explicitly stated that the heist took "no more than five-and-a-half minutes to complete" (BBC, Independent). This incident occurred at Blenheim Palace in September 2019, where the thieves stole an 18-carat solid gold toilet valued at approximately £4.8 million (BBC, KSL). The judge characterized the crime as "bold and brazen," highlighting the audacity of the theft (BBC, Guardian).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim comes directly from the statements made by Judge Ian Pringle during the court proceedings. His assertion about the time taken for the heist is consistent across various reports, including those from reputable news organizations like the BBC and the Independent. These sources are reliable as they are established media outlets known for their journalistic standards.

Moreover, the details surrounding the heist, including the planning and execution, were thoroughly documented during the trial. The judge's remarks were part of a formal sentencing, which adds to the credibility of the claim. The context provided by the trial proceedings indicates that the time frame mentioned was not merely anecdotal but a significant aspect of the judge's evaluation of the crime's severity (KSL, Guardian).

While there are no contradicting sources that dispute the judge's statement, it is important to note that the nature of the crime and the subsequent investigation were complex, involving multiple individuals and layers of planning. However, the specific claim about the time taken for the heist stands uncontested by any credible evidence.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that the thieves completed the theft of the gold toilet in no more than five-and-a-half minutes, as stated by Judge Ian Pringle KC, is accurate and supported by multiple reliable sources. The consistency of the reports and the formal context of the judge's statement during sentencing reinforce the validity of this claim.

Sources

1. Gold toilet: Two men jailed for £4.8m Blenheim Palace heist
2. Gold toilet heist 'bold and brazen' - judge tells jury - BBC
3. Men who stole $6M golden toilet from English mansion sentenced to ...
4. Two men jailed over theft of £4.75 million gold toilet from Blenheim ...
5. Gold toilet: Two men jailed for £4.8m Blenheim Palace heist
6. Pair jailed for burglary of £4.75m golden toilet from Blenheim Palace
7. Men who stole $6-million golden toilet from English mansion sentenced ...
8. Two men jailed over theft of £4.75m gold toilet from ...