Jeffrey Wood, guilty of stealing the famed "Roaring Lion" photograph of Winston Churchill, has been sentenced to nearly two years in prison. The theft, which took place at Ottawa's Château Laurier hotel, involved the original print that was later found in Italy. His sentencing highlights issues of cultural preservation and trust in society.
Thief of Iconic Churchill Photo Sentenced for Two Years in Canada
Thief of Iconic Churchill Photo Sentenced for Two Years in Canada
A Canadian man received a two-year prison sentence for stealing a historic photo of Winston Churchill, revealing the importance of cultural heritage.
A Canadian man has been sentenced to two years minus a day in prison for the theft of "The Roaring Lion," an iconic photograph of Sir Winston Churchill. Jeffrey Wood pleaded guilty to stealing the original print from the Château Laurier hotel in Ottawa, where it was taken between Christmas 2021 and early January 2022. In addition, Wood admitted to committing forgery in connection to the crime.
The photograph, taken by renowned Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh in 1941, features the then 67-year-old Churchill looking stern shortly after delivering a pivotal speech to the Canadian Parliament. This iconic image is also featured on the UK’s £5 note. Ottawa police confirmed that the stolen photograph was located in Genoa, Italy, with a private buyer who had no knowledge of its stolen status.
Discovery of the theft did not occur until August 2022 when a hotel staff member noticed that the original photograph had been replaced by a forgery. Reports indicate that Wood stole the photo to help finance support for his brother, who was struggling with mental health challenges.
During sentencing, Justice Robert Wadden emphasized the cultural significance of Karsh's photograph, stating, "It is a point of national pride that a portrait taken by a Canadian photographer would have achieved such fame." He highlighted the breach of societal trust that occurs when valuable cultural assets are stolen, damaged, or misappropriated.
Geneviève Dumas, general manager of the Château Laurier hotel, welcomed the sentence, stating “We’re very happy to see that Canadian history is recognized." Wood’s sentence allows him to serve time in a provincial institution rather than a federal prison, as his lawyer argued that the penalty was overly severe for a first-time offender.
