Oxford Crown Court heard that Michael Jones had searched for details about the burglary in the days following the raid at Blenheim Palace in 2019.
Michael Jones, a 39-year-old man from Oxford, has been accused of burglary in connection with the theft of a £4.75 million solid gold toilet, titled "America," from Blenheim Palace in 2019. The toilet, created by artist Maurizio Cattelan, was stolen during a five-minute raid and weighed approximately 98 kilos. It is believed to have been broken up after the theft.
Jones is alleged to have used his phone to search for news headlines about the burglary, including stories such as "66-year-old man released on bail after toilet stolen from Blenheim" and "Blenheim Palace reopens after gold toilet stolen in burglary," within days of the incident. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
James Sheen, 40, from Wellingborough, has pleaded guilty to burglary and transferring criminal property. DNA evidence linked Sheen to the crime scene, including a sledgehammer and gloves found at the palace. However, no forensic evidence connects Jones to the crime.
The trial, which involves additional defendants Frederick Sines and Bora Guccuk, continues at Oxford Crown Court.
