HBJ Gateley partner charged in da Vinci theft case

HBJ Gateley Wareing corporate partner Calum Jones appeared in court this morning (5 October) charged with conspiracy to rob and extort money following the discovery of a £37m Leonardo da Vinci painting.

The 52-year-old Jones, who was arrested at the Anglo-Scots firm's Glasgow office yesterday (4 October), appeared in private before Sheriff Kenneth Barr at Dumfries Sheriff Court in connection with the 2003 theft of the Madonna of the Yarnwinder, the biggest art crime in UK history.

Also charged with the same offences were Lancashire trio Robert Graham, John Doyle and Marshall Ronald. None of the four lodged a plea or declaration, as is customary for first hearings in Scotland, and all will face further investigation.

The four men were granted bail with conditions.

Jones is believed to have been advising on the repatriation of the painting after a third party made contact this year regarding its whereabouts.

It is understood he was having a meeting at HBJ Gateley's Glasgow branch yesterday afternoon with an insurer, a valuer and an art expert when police raided the office.

The 16th-century painting was discovered in the building.

The police operation included representatives from the Serious Organised Crime Agency and the Scottish Crime and Drugs Enforcement Agency.

The Madonna was stolen four years ago by two men posing as tourists at Drumlanrig Castle, the Scottish home of the late Duke of Buccleuch, after the pair overpowered a female tour guide.

It is understood the rest of HBJ Gateley's partnership was unaware of Jones' involvement.

Jones joined HBJ Gateley in May this year following its merger with Boyds, where he was head of the corporate and insolvency practice.