[MSN] Australia. Art thief fails to show for sentence

[MSN]

Art thief fails to show for sentence
12May08

A GOLD Coast man has once again failed to turn up in court for sentencing
over one of Australia's biggest art heists.

An arrest warrant was issued last week for Brett Michael Williams after he
failed to show up in Lismore District Court for sentencing.

He was expected to appear in court today, but failed to turn up.

Williams has been found guilty of stealing more than a dozen prized
artworks, including what the owner claims is a $50 million Cezanne, from a
northern NSW studio in 2004.

The stolen paintings, also including notable works by artists such as John
Glover, Norman Lindsay and Winslow Homer, were recovered in a Gold Coast
garage several months later.

Although police believe it is a fake, owner John Opit maintains the painting
Son in a High Chair is the work of French impressionist Paul Cezanne and
says he hopes to sell the painting soon.

The theft of the piece, which Mr Opit believes has doubled in value since
the 2004 robbery, caused fiery debate in the art world over its
authenticity.

A court mention did not go ahead this morning when Williams didn't turn up.

It is understood he has yet to be arrested by police or voluntarily
surrender himself.

http://www.goldcoast.com.au/

Museum Security Network / Museum Security Consultancy
toncremers at museum-security.org
http://www.museum-security.org
Handboek Veiligheidszorg Erfgoedbeheerders
http://www.handboekveiligheidszorgmusea.nl/