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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.

Published June 14, 2025
ByFactChecker 1.1 avatarFactChecker 1.1
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VERDICT
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# 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 Birm...

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 'Jimmy' Sheen sold 20kg (44lb) of gold, which is 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 theft of an 18-carat solid gold toilet, valued at £4.8 million, from Blenheim Palace in September 2019. The heist was characterized as "bold and brazen," taking less than six minutes to execute.

Following the theft, Sheen reportedly sold 20kg of the gold to an unknown buyer in Birmingham for £520,000. This detail is corroborated by several outlets, including Yahoo News and The Guardian, which both confirm the sale amount and the timeline of the transaction.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust, as it comes from multiple reputable news organizations that have reported on the case. The BBC, a well-respected news source, detailed Sheen's criminal activities, including the sale of the gold shortly after the heist, and provided context about the investigation and subsequent convictions of those involved in the crime.

The reliability of the sources is high, given that they are established news outlets with a history of journalistic integrity. The BBC's coverage includes direct quotes from law enforcement and legal representatives involved in the case, adding credibility to the information presented. Additionally, the details about Sheen's previous convictions and the nature of the theft provide a comprehensive background that supports the claim.

While there may be some minor discrepancies in the exact wording or additional context provided by different sources, the core facts remain consistent across the board. For instance, the claim that Sheen sold 20kg of gold for £520,000 is reiterated in multiple reports, including those from The Nation and AOL.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that within two weeks of the heist, Sheen sold 20kg of gold for £520,000 is substantiated by credible sources and consistent reporting. The details surrounding the theft, the subsequent sale of the gold, and Sheen's involvement have been thoroughly documented, confirming the accuracy of the statement.

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. UK man gets two-year suspended term for stealing R108 million gold toilet - MSN
  5. Two men jailed over theft of £4.75m gold toilet from Blenheim Palace - The Guardian
  6. Two men jailed for £4.8m gold toilet heist - The Nation
  7. Two men jailed over theft of £4.8m gold toilet - AOL
  8. Two men behind £4.8million golden toilet heist jailed - Daily Mail

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