Two men have been sentenced for 'wanton vandalism' of this Paddington Bear statue.
Two men have been sentenced for 'wanton vandalism' of this Paddington Bear statue.
Two air force engineers have been fined and ordered to do unpaid work after drunkenly breaking a Paddington Bear statue before stealing it.
Daniel Heath and William Lawrence, both 22, pleaded guilty to criminal damage of the statue on March 2 in Newbury in Berkshire, southern England, the home town of Paddington’s creator Michael Bond.
In what Judge Sam Goozee said was “an act of wanton vandalism”, the pair forcibly removed the statue’s front facade and carried it through the town to a taxi, which took them back to their Royal Air Force base.
Repairing the damage cost £5451 ($A11,210).
Paddington, a much-loved children’s literary character, has experienced a recent surge in popularity due to a series of movie adaptations.
The bear even had tea with the late Queen Elizabeth in a pre-recorded comic sketch to mark her 70th year on the throne. During the sketch, she told Paddington she always kept his favourite marmalade sandwich in her ever-present handbag.
“Paddington Bear is a beloved cultural icon with children and adults alike,” Goozee told Heath and Lawrence as he sentenced them at Reading Magistrates’ Court.
“He represents kindness, tolerance and promotes integration and acceptance in our society.
“His famous label attached to his duffle coat says ‘please look after this bear’. On the night of March 2, 2025, your actions were the antithesis of everything Paddington stands for.”
Heath and Lawrence were both ordered to pay £2725 compensation for the repairs and to complete 150 hours of unpaid work.