Italian lawyer buys 'copy' of iconic Winston Churchill photo for £4,200… only to get the shock of his life when he realises the truth
Daily MailNOV 2024
Ontario Man Jailed for Stealing Churchill Portrait
Above: Winston Churchill. Image copyright: Corbis/Contributor/Corbis Historical via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
This sentence conveys the exact right message about protecting Canada's cultural heritage. Wood didn't just steal any painting — he targeted a priceless piece of national history that represents both Churchill's wartime leadership and the artistic legacy of Yousuf Karsh. The theft required specialized knowledge and tools, indicating that it wasn't an impulsive act but a calculated crime that breached the public trust that allowed these treasures to be displayed for everyone to enjoy.
Narrative B
A two-year jail sentence is entirely excessive for someone with no criminal record who pleaded guilty and showed genuine remorse. Wood was desperate to help his brother's mental health crisis and made one terrible mistake — his brother tragically died just 90 minutes after the sale. The real victim here got their property back, and throwing a first-time offender into provincial jail for nearly two years serves no purpose except revenge.