The man from Ontario who admitted to stealing a famous painting of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill stated that he did it to support his brother, who was struggling with mental health issues, Justice Robert Wadden informed the court during the sentencing session on Monday.
Despite being sentenced to two years less a day in prison, Jeffrey Wood remained composed in the courtroom as Wadden delivered the verdict.
Wood confessed earlier this year to taking the painting from the Chateau Laurier hotel in Ottawa and engaging in forgery.
The renowned photographer Yousuf Karsh captured the iconic portrait in 1941 in the Speaker’s office immediately after Churchill’s inspiring wartime speech to Canadian parliament members.
Karsh resided in the hotel for nearly two decades, running a studio there. In 1998, upon moving out, he gifted the Churchill portrait and six others to the hotel.
Authorities reported that the painting was stolen from the hotel between Christmas Day 2021 and January 6, 2022, and was substituted with a replica.
The deception was only uncovered months later in August when a hotel staff member noticed the frame was hung improperly.
Following an extensive international investigation, it was determined that the painting was sold at an auction in London to an Italian buyer who was unaware of its stolen status. The artwork was eventually returned to the hotel.
During the sentencing, Wadden mentioned that Wood had intended to use the proceeds from the sale to aid his brother, who tragically passed away before the transaction was completed.
Wadden acknowledged the challenge in determining the appropriate sentence due to the scarcity of Canadian case law on similar art thefts. Therefore, he considered international cases to guide his decision-making.
Although Wood lacked a criminal record and was consistently employed, he did not assist in recovering the stolen portrait, which was returned to Canada damaged.
Wadden emphasized that the Italian buyer relinquished the painting upon learning of its origins, preventing the loss of a significant Canadian historical artifact.
Wadden emphasized the breach of trust in society associated with stealing, damaging, or trafficking in such valuable property.
Despite contemplating a three-year sentence, Wadden settled on two years less a day due to Wood’s remorse and guilty plea.
Wood’s attorney, Lawrence Greenspon, consoled his client after the sentencing, expressing disappointment over the severity of the punishment.
Following the court proceedings, Greenspon stated that they had prepared Wood for the possibility of a harsh sentence despite his cooperation and lack of prior convictions.
Greenspon had requested a suspended sentence with probation, while the Crown sought two years less a day. A sentence under two years would result in provincial jail time, whereas two years or more would lead to federal prison.
Reflecting on the outcome, Greenspon remarked on the discrepancy between their expectations and the Crown’s sentencing request, indicating they had anticipated the verdict.
When asked about a potential appeal, Chateau Laurier’s general manager Geneviève Dumas responded with confidence in the case’s strength and satisfaction with the verdict.
