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 states that James 'Jimmy' Sheen sold 20 kg (44 lb) of gold, approximately one-fifth of the weight of the stolen golden toilet, within two weeks of the heist for £520,000. This information is corroborated by multiple sources. According to a BBC report, Sheen, a key figure in the heist, sold this amount of gold to an unknown buyer in Birmingham shortly after the theft. The toilet, an artwork titled "America" by Maurizio Cattelan, was stolen from Blenheim Palace during a burglary that took place on September 14, 2019. The heist was executed quickly, taking only about five-and-a-half minutes, and the toilet was valued at around £4.8 million.

Additionally, a Yahoo News article reiterates that Sheen sold 20 kg of gold for £520,000 within two weeks of the heist, further confirming the details of the transaction. The weight of the gold sold aligns with the claim, as the entire toilet weighed 98 kg (216 lbs), making 20 kg approximately one-fifth of its total weight.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust, as it comes from reputable news sources like the BBC and Yahoo News, both of which have reported extensively on the case. The BBC article provides detailed context about Sheen's involvement and the circumstances surrounding the theft, including his previous criminal history and the methods used during the heist. The credibility of these sources is high, given their established reputation for journalistic integrity and fact-checking.

However, there are nuances to consider. While Sheen's sale of the gold is confirmed, the identity of the buyer remains unknown, which leaves some ambiguity regarding the finality of the transaction. The Standard and Sky News also reported on the heist, emphasizing the audacity of the crime and the subsequent legal proceedings against Sheen and his accomplices. These reports align with the primary claim, reinforcing its accuracy.

The claim is further supported by the context provided in a Daily Mail article, which highlights Sheen's communications regarding the sale and his admission of having sold the gold. This adds a layer of direct evidence to the claim, as it indicates Sheen's acknowledgment of the transaction.

Conclusion

The claim that "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" is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms the details of the sale, including the weight of the gold and the amount received. The consistency across various reports strengthens the validity of the claim, despite the unknown identity of the buyer.

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. Two men jailed for £4.8m gold toilet heist - Yahoo News
4. Thief was ‘stressed’ trying to sell gold from Blenheim Palace toilet to - Standard
5. Two men jailed for £4.8m gold toilet heist - The Nation
6. Two men jailed for their roles in theft of £4.75m gold toilet - AOL
7. Two men behind £4.8million golden toilet heist jailed - Sky News
8. Two men jailed for £4.8million golden toilet heist - Daily Mail