The report notes the case originally published in September 2024, with a sentencing update published in mid‑November 2025.

A Banksy print, The Girl with the Balloon, was stolen in a dramatic street break‑in at a central London gallery, prompting sentencing for the main suspect, Larry Fraser, who received 13 months in prison for burglary.

Detective Chief Inspector Scott Mather of the Met Police Flying Squad underscored the swift recovery of the artwork and the force’s ongoing push to reunite it with the gallery.

Fraser said he was under pressure from a historic drug debt and didn’t know the artwork’s value until the day of the offence; his defense highlighted his care responsibilities and past efforts to recover from addiction.

The coverage is breaking news, with updates and additional details expected to follow.

A second man, James Love, was accused of acting as the getaway driver but was acquitted of stealing the print.

A tip-off led to the print’s recovery on September 12, and Love was later cleared after trial.

Love was acquitted at trial, while Fraser has 18 prior convictions, the most recent in 2002, with an arrest history and time spent out of trouble since 2008.

The artwork was recovered intact two days after the arrest.

CCTV showed Fraser and Love retrieving the artwork and fleeing in Love’s van, with Love later directing investigators to the hidden piece.

Footage depicted a smash‑and‑grab burglary, with entry through a broken door, removal of the frame, and a rapid getaway in a black van.

Judge Anne Brown ruled the burglary a serious non‑domestic offence and declined a suspended sentence, noting Fraser’s lengthy prior record though he may be eligible for immediate release due to time served.