RAF engineers accused of 'wanton vandalism' for destroying and stealing Paddington Bear Statue
Two British air force engineers have been fined and ordered to carry out community service for drunkenly breaking a statue of Paddington Bear in half before stealing it in the UK town of Newbury.
Daniel Heath and William Lawrence, both aged 22, were caught on CCTV on the evening of March 2 shortly after 2am ripping the statue from its bench and walking away with it in an act that was described by the judge as "wanton vandalism".
Newbury is the hometown of Michael Bond, Paddington's creator.
The pair caused about 5,000 pounds ($10,000) in damage, then took off in a taxi back to their RAF base.
The Paddington Bear statue after it was recovered by Newbury Police. (Supplied: Thames Valley Police)
Officers from the Newbury Neighbourhood Policing Team tracked the thieves to the barracks later that day, arrested them and seized the damaged statue.
Thames Valley Police told the BBC the statue did appear for sale on Facebook marketplace, but did not investigate further as it was recovered from the boot of Lawrence's car soon after.
Inspector Alan Hawkett, of the Newbury Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "I am pleased Daniel Heath and William Lawrence have admitted to damaging and stealing the Paddington Bear statue and they have been sentenced accordingly.
"The Paddington Bear statue is a beloved part of Newbury, so we did everything we could to locate it and bring the offenders to justice.
"After a short stay at Newbury police station, we handed the statue back to its owners so it can be restored.
"Criminal damage and theft are serious offences regardless of the target."
"Paddington Bear is a beloved cultural icon with children and adults alike," the judge 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 duffel 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 2,725 pounds ($5,500) compensation for the repairs and to complete 150 hours of unpaid work.
ABC/Reuters