[MSN] While doubts remain about the authenticity of a purported $150 million masterpiece by 19th century French impressionist Paul Cezanne, a jury took about five hours to convict Brett Michael Williams of stealing it.

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Jury decides accused stole portrait

By Greg Stolz 
December 11, 2007 11:00pm

A GOLD Coast man was found guilty yesterday of what was billed as
Australia's biggest art heist.

While doubts remain about the authenticity of a purported $150 million
masterpiece by 19th century French impressionist Paul Cezanne, a jury took
about five hours to convict Brett Michael Williams of stealing it.

Williams, 46, was ashen-faced after the jury returned its guilty verdict in
Lismore District Court.

He had pleaded not guilty to stealing the so-called Cezanne, Boy in a High
Chair, from bohemian northern NSW art restorer John Opit.

The painting, along with other reputedly valuable artworks and household
items, were stolen from Opit's art studio at Limpinwood, outside
Murwillumbah, in February 2004.

The theft sparked international headlines and widespread scepticism among
art experts who said they had never heard of the alleged Cezanne.

But despite late evidence that the painting had been bought at a Lismore
antiques shop for $20 only a month before the break-in, Opit maintained the
artwork was the real deal - although he admitted it had not been
authenticated by art experts.

The jury returned its verdict after a seven-day trial which defence
barrister Eoin Johnston said posed more questions than it answered.

Jurors returned twice during the day yesterday - first to ask for a
transcript of a key Crown witness's evidence and then to ask the judge to
clarify the term "beyond reasonable doubt".

The Crown had argued that the question of whether the painting was worth $20
or $150 million was irrelevant.

The jury had to decide whether Williams had stolen it and Opit's other
belongings.

While the case against Williams was largely circumstantial, his friend Toby
Bom testified that Williams had confessed.

The court was told Boy in a High Chair and other paintings were found at
Bom's Robina duplex, while more of Opit's belongings were seized from
Williams' Southport home.

Williams claimed he had bought the distinctive items at the pub, a flea
market and a rubbish tip.

Outside court, Opit said he still planned to have the purported Cezanne
authenticated.

"I'm glad it's over and I can now get on with my life," he said.

Williams, who will be sentenced in March, declined to comment.

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