Father and Son Sentenced Over Art Studio Heist
Merchandise stolen from a gallery space used by Damien Hirst
Liam Middleton-Gomm (left) and Leslie Gomm (right). Picture: Met Police
November 3, 2025
A father and son have been sentenced following a burglary at the Thames Wharf studio of renowned British artist Damien Hirst, located between Hammersmith and Putney bridges. The break-in, which occurred on 30 June, targeted a second-floor gallery space used by Hirst and resulted in the theft of an estimated £5,000 worth of items.
Liam Middleton-Gomm, 36, of Cactus Walk, East Acton, was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison at Kingston Crown Court on 30 October after pleading guilty to burglary. His father, Leslie Gomm, 61, of Bloom Park Road, Fulham, received a one-year conditional discharge for handling stolen goods.
Middleton-Gomm stole electronic equipment, a pram, and a range of customised clothing designed by Hirst, including unique T-shirts, jackets, and jeans. A set of high-tech speakers was also taken. Despite the presence of valuable artworks, none were stolen. The studio, part of the Thames Wharf complex, is a well-known creative hub housing architectural offices, studios, and residential units.
Following the burglary, Middleton-Gomm removed his court-issued GPS tag and fled to his father’s home in Fulham. Investigators later found photographs of the stolen items on Leslie Gomm’s phone and discovered that he had conducted online searches for “Damien Hirst” and “leather jackets” in the hours after the burglary. Some of the stolen items were recovered from his property.
One of the Damien Hirst leather jackets stolen. Picture: Met Police
Court records revealed that Leslie Gomm has a long criminal history, with 110 prior offences—72 of which relate to theft or similar crimes. He initially claimed the items had been purchased at a car boot sale but later admitted his involvement.
Middleton-Gomm also pleaded guilty to two additional residential burglaries and one attempted burglary committed in July. His arrest on 23 August was aided by GPS data from the electronic tag he had worn during the studio break-in. DNA evidence and location tracking placed him at the scene, prompting him to remove the device and go on the run.
Thames Wharf Studio on Rainville Road. Picture: Google Streetview
PC Max Aldred, who led the Metropolitan Police investigation, said, “As soon as Liam Middleton-Gomm knew police were looking for him, he cut off his tag and went on the run – he knew officers would be able to pin him to the location of the crime.”
Minister of State for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, Lord Timpson, added, “Our GPS tags send a clear message to offenders—if you break the law, we’ll know where you’ve been and justice will come for you.”
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