Thief of Churchill Portrait Loses Appeal, Heads to Supreme Court

UPDATE: The thief who stole the iconic “Roaring Lion” portrait of Winston Churchill from the Château Laurier in Ottawa has lost his appeal against a two-year jail sentence. Jeffrey Wood, who pleaded guilty to the theft, received the ruling from the Ontario Court of Appeal today, October 30, 2025.

In a decisive two-to-one ruling, the court rejected Wood’s appeal, confirming his sentence of two years less a day in prison. This latest development marks a significant moment in Wood’s case, as he prepares to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court of Canada. His lawyer, Lawrence Greenspon, indicated they will file for leave to appeal based on the dissenting opinion expressed by one of the judges.

Earlier today, Wood voluntarily reported to jail as mandated by his sentencing. Greenspon stated that they will seek bail pending the application to the Supreme Court. He argued that the trial judge’s sentence was excessive, suggesting that a more appropriate punishment would have been house arrest or a conditional sentence order.

The theft occurred in January 2022, capturing public interest due to the portrait’s historic significance and the audacity of the crime. As legal proceedings continue, the case raises questions about the judicial system’s handling of art theft and its implications for cultural heritage.

Stay tuned as this story develops further. The implications of Wood’s next steps could resonate beyond the courtroom, highlighting the ongoing dialogue about art protection and legal consequences.