Two Royal Air Force engineers, Daniel Heath and William Lawrence, admitted to vandalizing a Paddington Bear statue in Newbury, England, on March 2. The men, both 22, were captured on surveillance camera kicking and breaking the statue before taking half of it in a taxi. A judge condemned their actions, stating they contradicted the values that Paddington Bear represents.
- Two men vandalized Paddington Bear statue
- Offenders are Royal Air Force engineers
- Judge criticized actions as "antithesis" of Paddington
- Men ordered to pay for statue repairs
- Statue will be repaired and reinstalled
- Incident captured on surveillance camera
The Paddington Bear statue, adorned in its iconic blue coat and red hat, was one of 23 installed as part of a trail celebrating the character’s legacy. Prosecutor Jamie Renuka revealed that the incident occurred just before 2 a.m. while the two men were intoxicated. They were later found with the statue in their possession at their base.
Judge Sam Goozee expressed disappointment in the men’s actions, emphasizing that Paddington Bear symbolizes kindness and acceptance. He described the vandalism as “wanton” and stated that it undermined the integrity expected from military personnel. The judge ordered the pair to complete community service and pay approximately $3,500 for repairs.
The Royal Air Force is reviewing the court’s decision, but any disciplinary actions will remain private. Meanwhile, the damaged statue is undergoing repairs and will soon be reinstalled, as confirmed by the Newbury Business Improvement District.
This incident highlights the importance of respecting cultural symbols and the responsibilities of individuals in public service roles. The repair and reinstatement of the Paddington Bear statue will serve as a reminder of the values it embodies.
