Burglar admits stealing £5,000 haul from Damien Hirst’s studio ‘after walking past artwork worth millions’

A man pleaded guilty today to the burglary of a studio belonging to artist Damien Hirst.

Liam Middleton-Gomm, 36, broke into Thames Wharf Studios in West London on June 30 and stole around £5,000 worth of goods – some of which were later found at his father’s home.

Middleton-Gomm admitted two counts of burgling the riverside studio at a hearing at Kingston Crown Court today.

According to neighbours, none of Hirst’s celebrated works were taken, with the thief understood to have walked ‘straight past invaluable artwork’ during the burglary. 

His father, 62-year-old Leslie Gomm, previously pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods for his son’s benefit between June 29 and July 8.

A file photograph of Damien Hirst who took home the prestigious Turner Prize in 1995

Leslie Gomm (above) previously pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods for his son’s benefit 

The heist took place at Thames Wharf Studios (pictured) in West London on June 30

Bristol-born, Leeds-raised artist Hirst came to attention in 1988 when he was a student at Goldsmiths, University of London, where he conceived and curated the group exhibition Freeze.

Hirst’s best known artwork includes a pickled shark, a rotting cow’s head and diamond-encrusted skull.

He took home the prestigious Turner Prize in 1995 for his formaldehyde-preserved cow and calf, called Mother And Child, Divided.