Fact Check: Within two weeks of the heist Sheen had sold 20kg (44lb) of gold - about one fifth of the toilet's weight - to an unknown buyer in Birmingham for £520,000.

Fact Check: "Within two weeks of the heist Sheen had sold 20kg (44lb) of gold - about one fifth of the toilet's weight - to an unknown buyer in Birmingham for £520,000."

What We Know

The claim that James Sheen sold 20kg (44lb) of gold, approximately one-fifth of the weight of the stolen gold toilet, for £520,000 within two weeks of the heist is supported by multiple credible sources. According to a BBC report, Sheen was involved in the audacious theft of an 18-carat gold toilet from Blenheim Palace, which occurred shortly after the artwork was displayed in September 2019. Following the theft, it was confirmed that Sheen sold 20kg of the gold to an unknown buyer in Birmingham for £520,000, with the sale taking place within two weeks of the heist.

Further corroboration comes from another BBC article, which specifically mentions that Sheen sold the gold at a rate of £26,000 per kilogram. This aligns with the details provided in the original claim, confirming both the quantity of gold sold and the price achieved.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust, with multiple reputable news outlets, including the BBC, providing consistent accounts of the events surrounding the theft and subsequent sale of the gold. The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations known for their journalistic standards.

The details surrounding the heist are well-documented, including the involvement of Sheen and others in the planning and execution of the theft. The BBC reported that Sheen's DNA was found at the scene, and he had a history of criminal activity, which adds credibility to the narrative that he was indeed involved in selling the stolen gold.

Moreover, the specifics of the sale—such as the quantity of gold and the price—are corroborated by multiple sources, including Sky News and Yahoo, which also reported on the same details. This convergence of information from different outlets strengthens the validity of the claim.

However, it is important to note that while the claim is well-supported, the identity of the "unknown buyer" remains undisclosed, which leaves some aspects of the transaction less transparent.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that within two weeks of the heist, Sheen sold 20kg of gold for £520,000 is substantiated by multiple reliable sources. The consistency of the reports and the detailed accounts of the events surrounding the theft and sale provide a strong basis for this conclusion.

Sources

1. Two men jailed for £4.8m gold toilet heist - BBC
2. Man denies knowing gold was from stolen £4.8m toilet - BBC
3. Fred Doe sentenced for conspiracy in Blenheim gold toilet case - BBC
4. UK man gets two-year suspended term for stealing R108 million gold toilet - MSN
5. Two men jailed for their roles in theft of £4.75m gold toilet from Blenheim Palace - Sky News
6. Two men jailed for £4.8m gold toilet heist - Yahoo
7. Two men jailed for £4.8m gold toilet heist - Yahoo
8. UK man gets two-year suspended term for gold toilet theft - Community Advocate