Vandal dumped shrub over statue of beloved Paddington bear, causing outcry
Anil Puri, aged 56, was caught by CCTV as he committed the crime in Little Dockray on December 2 last year.
The Paddington Bear figure has become a huge hit with town residents and visitors alike since it was unveiled in October, 2024. It was one of around two dozen similar statues installed on benches in locations across the UK prior to the release of the film Paddington in Peru, and the only one in Cumbria.
Prosecutor George Shelley told Carlisle Magistrates' Court this morning (Tuesday) the Paddington Bear figure, belonging to a film company, was maintained by the Penrith BID (business improvement district) group, which also owned surrounding planters.
CCTV captured Puri causing the damage. 'He pulls a shrub from the planter and dumps it on to the figure's head,' said Mr Shelley. Puri then shoved a shrub between Paddington's arms, which are clasped around his trademark marmalade sandwich.
There were scratches caused to the figure, which was damaged to the tune of £40. Around £250 damage was caused to the planters. 'The next day there was a public outcry on social media,' said Mr Shelley.
Puri, of Stanstead Road, Lewisham, London, said in the aftermath he had been suffering from mental health issues.
Appearing in court remotely today over a video link, Puri admitted causing criminal damage to the statue and planter. A man with no previous convictions, he apologised to all concerned for what he had done.
Magistrates fined Puri £50. He must also pay £290 compensation to Penrith BID, along with £85 costs and a £20 mandatory surcharge.
Penrith mayor Doug Lawson said in response to Puri's vandalism: 'Since Paddington arrived in Penrith, he has been a constant source of entertainment and joy for young and old alike. At one stage my Facebook feed was full of pictures of friends and family with the statue.
'I said at his unveiling that he was a symbol of the welcoming and generous culture of Penrith.
'With all that in mind, I am deeply saddened to hear that someone would attempt to damage the statue; obviously, any vandalism is wrong, but this act seems particularly heartless.
'I can only hope that having been caught, the person responsible reflects on their actions and the upset they have caused.'
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