Jeffrey Wood, who admitted to stealing the original photograph from Ottawa's Château Laurier hotel, has been sentenced to two years in jail. The photo, captured by Yousuf Karsh in 1941, is not only an iconic image but also embodies a significant aspect of Canadian history.**
Canadian Man Sentenced for Stealing Iconic Churchill Photograph**
Canadian Man Sentenced for Stealing Iconic Churchill Photograph**
A two-year jail term has been handed to Jeffrey Wood for the theft of a famous image of Sir Winston Churchill, known as "The Roaring Lion."**
A Canadian man has received a near two-year prison sentence for his role in the theft of one of the 20th century's most iconic images, a photograph of Sir Winston Churchill known as "The Roaring Lion". Jeffrey Wood pleaded guilty to stealing the renowned print from Ottawa’s Château Laurier hotel during the holiday season of 2021-2022. He also confessed to committing forgery in connection with the crime.
The photograph, taken by the celebrated Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh in 1941, depicts a solemn Churchill just after delivering a notable address to the Canadian Parliament. It is so renowned that it is featured on the UK £5 note. Ottawa Police announced that the stolen print was later discovered in Genoa, Italy, in the possession of a private buyer who was unaware it had been originally stolen.
The return of the photograph surfaced only after a hotel employee noticed the original had been swapped for a counterfeit, prompting further investigation. In court, Wood explained that the motive for the theft stemmed from his desire to find financial assistance for his brother, who has been struggling with mental health issues.
During the sentencing, Justice Robert Wadden emphasized the cultural significance of the image, remarking on the enterprising spirit behind it: "It is a point of national pride that a portrait taken by a Canadian photographer would have achieved such fame." Justice Wadden further noted the importance of trust in preserving national heritage and the breach of that trust resulting from the theft.
Geneviève Dumas, general manager of the Château Laurier hotel, expressed satisfaction that Canadian history had been acknowledged in the legal proceedings. Wood was sentenced to "two years less a day," which enables him to serve his time in a provincial facility rather than a federal prison. Wood's attorney described the sentenced outcome as "unnecessarily harsh," citing the fact that it was the offender's first crime.
