Burglar Pleads Guilty to Raiding Damien Hirst's West London Art Studio

A burglar has pleaded guilty to breaking into the west London studio of world-famous contemporary artist Damien Hirst. Liam Middleton-Gomm, 36, admitted two counts of burglary targeting the Thames Wharf Studios during a hearing at Kingston Court on Friday.

The break-in occurred on June 30, with Middleton-Gomm making off with approximately £5,210 worth of items. The haul included paintings, electronics, clothing, and even a pram. A portion of the stolen goods was later discovered by police at the home of the burglar's father, Leslie Gomm, 62. The elder Gomm had previously pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods for his son's benefit between late June and early July.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that only around £500 worth of the stolen items had been recovered from Leslie Gomm's address. Both defendants are scheduled to be sentenced at Kingston Court on October 30. Middleton-Gomm also admitted to several other offences, including burglaries at residential properties on July 9 and July 17, and an attempted burglary on July 9.

Damien Hirst, one of the UK's most prominent and commercially successful artists, is renowned for works including his formaldehyde-preserved animals and diamond-encrusted skulls. The riverside studio in Hammersmith is central to his creative operations.