Jonathan Poole, 69, specialised in artworks by and of famous musicians such as John Lennon, Jim Morrison and Ronnie Wood. However, in a trial at Gloucester Crown Court it was revealed that he has stolen paintings and sold some he was not entitled to. He has been jailed for four years.
Works Poole stole include paintings of Bob Dylan, Kate Moss and Mick Jagger. Some of the works that have gone missing in Poole’s possession have never been traced.
The prosecutor, James Ward, compared the case to the crimes in the Hollywood film The Thomas Crowne Affair. He added: “Whilst Thomas Crown stole as a challenge, because his world had become too stiflingly safe, Jonathan Poole stole either to fund a gambling habit, or to stash away money for later life or to fund a lifestyle he couldn't afford.”
Poole admitted 26 offences against nine victims between 1986 and 2013 involving artworks worth £500,000. The victims included Dire Straits bassist John Illsley and Poole’s brother.
