Canadian Man Sentenced to Two Years for Theft of Iconic Churchill Photo

Sat Sep 13 2025 19:59:40 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A Canadian individual has received a two-year prison sentence for the theft of an iconic photograph of Winston Churchill, known as "The Roaring Lion."

Jeffrey Wood, who pleaded guilty to stealing the noted print from Ottawa's Château Laurier hotel, has been sentenced to nearly two years in jail, after admitting to the theft and forgery. The photograph, taken by Yousuf Karsh in 1941, is renowned globally and featured on the UK £5 note.

The image, capturing a stern Churchill shortly after addressing the Canadian parliament, was discovered in Italy last year by a buyer who was unaware it had been stolen. According to reports, Wood claimed he stole the photograph to financially support his brother, who faced mental health challenges. During his sentencing, Justice Robert Wadden emphasized the significance of the photograph as a piece of Canadian heritage and the breach of trust involved in its theft. He received a sentence of "two years less a day," allowing for provincial imprisonment instead of federal custody, a decision met with contention from his defense, who viewed the ruling as excessively punitive for a first-time offense.

The management of Château Laurier expressed satisfaction with the recognition of Canadian historical value, indicating the photo's strong national pride.

This case underscores the importance of preserving cultural property and the legal implications of such thefts, reflecting a broader societal trust in the caretaking of national treasures.