Fact Check: Sheen had been jailed at least six times since 2005 and led organised crime groups that had made more than £5m from fraud and theft.

Fact Check: "Sheen had been jailed at least six times since 2005 and led organised crime groups that had made more than £5m from fraud and theft."

What We Know

James 'Jimmy' Sheen, a career criminal, has been a central figure in a high-profile case involving the theft of a £4.8 million gold toilet from Blenheim Palace. He has been jailed at least six times since 2005 and has led organised crime groups that have reportedly made over £5 million from various criminal activities, including fraud and theft (BBC, BBC). His criminal history includes convictions for burglary, transferring criminal property, and conspiracy to commit similar offenses. In 2024, Sheen pleaded guilty to several charges related to the gold toilet heist, which occurred in September 2019 (BBC).

Analysis

The claim that Sheen has been jailed at least six times since 2005 and has led organised crime groups that made over £5 million from fraud and theft is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The BBC, a reputable news organization, reported on Sheen's extensive criminal history, confirming both the number of incarcerations and the scale of his criminal enterprises (BBC).

Furthermore, the details surrounding the gold toilet heist provide context to his criminal activities. The heist was described as meticulously planned, with Sheen playing a key role in the execution and subsequent sale of the stolen gold (BBC). The investigation revealed that he had sold portions of the gold shortly after the theft, indicating ongoing criminal behavior (BBC).

The sources used in this analysis are reliable and provide a consistent narrative regarding Sheen's criminal activities. The BBC's investigative reporting is particularly noteworthy, as it includes detailed accounts of Sheen's past offenses and the legal proceedings that followed the heist.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that James Sheen has been jailed at least six times since 2005 and has led organised crime groups that made more than £5 million from fraud and theft is true. This is supported by credible reports detailing his criminal history and the specific charges related to the gold toilet heist.

Sources

1. Gold toilet: Two men jailed for £4.8m Blenheim Palace heist
2. Gold toilet: Two men guilty over £4.8m Blenheim Palace heist
3. Two men jailed for £4.8m gold toilet heist
4. Golden toilet thief James Sheen and his criminal history
5. Two men jailed for £4.8m gold toilet heist - The Nation
6. Two men jailed for £4.8m gold toilet heist
7. Gang guilty over £4.8m gold toilet heist
8. Golden toilet thief James Sheen and his criminal history