Supreme Court of Canada to hear Churchill portrait thief's sentence appeal

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 30 Apr, 2026 09:11 AM

The man who stole the "Roaring Lion" portrait of Winston Churchill from the Château Laurier in Ottawa will have a chance to appeal his sentence in the Supreme Court of Canada.

The famous image was snapped by photographer Yousuf Karsh during Churchill's wartime visit to the Canadian Parliament in December 1941.

Jeffrey Wood stole the portrait in January 2022, replaced it with a cheap copy and sold the original through a London auction house.

The print was returned to public display at the Ottawa hotel with help from authorities in the United Kingdom and Italy.

Wood was sentenced in May 2025 to two years less a day in jail after pleading guilty to the theft.

The Ontario Court of Appeal dismissed his sentence appeal in a two-to-one ruling.

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Canadian politicians, community groups share support after Australia Hannukah attack

Canadian politicians and community groups shared messages of support after a mass shooting left at least 15 people dead at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia.

Canadian politicians, community groups share support after Australia Hannukah attack

How did Canada's young people become its unhappiest generation?

As a teen growing up in Toronto, Bhavik Sharma imagined what life would look like at 25. He and his high school friends would be starting families. They'd be on six-figure salaries and living comfortably.

How did Canada's young people become its unhappiest generation?

Young Canadians tell of their generations' challenges and hopes

The Canadian Press has been speaking with young people across the country about challenges facing their generation — and ways they continue to find joy.

Young Canadians tell of their generations' challenges and hopes

Inflation steady at 2.2% in November despite grocery price hike

Rising costs at the grocery store were causing fresh pain for consumers in November even as Statistics Canada reports the overall inflation rate held steady in the month.

Inflation steady at 2.2% in November despite grocery price hike

'High impact' warning as heavy rain returns, causing more flooding concerns in B.C.

The B.C. government says heavy rain may cause more flooding in low-lying areas in the province, with parts of Metro Vancouver under a new flood warning.