Drunken Vandalism: RAF Engineers Fined for Paddington Bear Statue Damage

Two British air force engineers, Daniel Heath and William Lawrence, were fined and ordered to carry out unpaid work for drunkenly damaging and stealing a Paddington Bear statue in Newbury, England. The judge emphasized Paddington's cultural significance and the restoration cost of £5,451 needed.

Two British air force engineers faced fines and community service on Tuesday for their role in damaging a beloved Paddington Bear statue. The offense, described by a judge as "wanton vandalism," saw Daniel Heath and William Lawrence pleading guilty to criminal damage.

The incident occurred in Newbury, Berkshire, where the men removed and transported the statue's facade to a taxi back to their RAF base. The judge underscored the statue's cultural importance and reported repair costs reaching £5,451, attributing its popularity to recent film adaptations.

Paddington Bear, a cherished literary figure, also made headlines for a royal sketch with Queen Elizabeth. The judge highlighted how the engineers' actions starkly contrasted with Paddington's values of kindness and tolerance.

(With inputs from agencies.)