LONDON (AP) – They didn’t take care of the bear.
In fact, two people who once drank kicked the statue of Paddington, a fictional orphan bear who came to England from Peru until halfway through. Then they took it.
The judge scolded the duo on Tuesday – two military personnel – as the “opposite” of everything Paddington’s character represents.
Daniel Heath and William Lawrence, 22, of the RAF, admitted in Reading Magistrates Court that they were responsible for the sabotagers in Newbury, home of Paddington creator Michael Bond.
“Paddington Bear is a beloved cultural idol with children and adults,” said Judge Sam Guzi. “He represents kindness, tolerance, and promotes integration and acceptance in our society. … Your actions are the opposite of everything Paddington represents.”
The bear statue is his signature blue coat and red hat, which was installed last fall, part of the Paddington Trail throughout England to commemorate the release of “Paddington of Peru”. The introspective bear stared at the sky as he grabbed the sandwich – the jam was about to drip on his legs.
The judge noted that the label on Paddington’s coat said: “Please take care of this bear.”
Prosecutors said Jamie Renuka said the men were drunk during the escape, captured on an empty street before 2 a.m., who were running half of the statue in a taxi before returning to the Raf Odiham base and later discovered Pointure Paddington in Cars Cars at Lawrence Cars.
Guz said the crime “can only be described as an act of wanton destruction” and the two failed to uphold the expected respect and integrity in the army.
The two admitted to criminal damage and were ordered to perform community work, each paying 2,725 pounds ($3,527) to repair the damaged statue.
A RAF spokesman said the department will consider the court’s findings, but no discipline will be disclosed because it will be a private matter.
Newbury Business Improvement District said the statue is currently under repair and will be reinstalled.
