Latest news with #PublicOutcry
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Yahoo
Vandal dumped shrub over statue of beloved Paddington bear, causing outcry
A VANDAL who sparked a public outcry by damaging a popular Paddington Bear statue in Penrith town centre has been punished by magistrates. 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.'
Malay Mail
21-05-2025
- Malay Mail
In Singapore, Beach Road cleaver attacker admits he tried to silence wife over dark family secret
SINGAPORE, May 21 — A 49-year-old man who viciously slashed his wife with a cleaver in a frenzied assault along Singapore's Beach Road in 2022 pleaded guilty yesterday to attempted murder. According to The Straits Times, Cheng Guoyuan, a Chinese national, launched the attack on his wife, Han Hongli, 44, after becoming fearful she would reveal a past wrongdoing he had committed against her daughter, now 23. The nature of that wrongdoing was not disclosed in court. Han, who has a son with Cheng and a daughter from a previous marriage, suffered life-altering injuries. Her left hand was almost severed as she tried to shield herself. She is now blind in her left eye, her face permanently disfigured, and the function of her arms significantly impaired. The tip of her right ring finger was also amputated. 'I am very remorseful. I have done something wrong, and I admit (it),' Cheng reportedly told the court through a Mandarin interpreter. The attack took place on April 14, 2022, outside a row of eateries in Liang Seah Street around 5.30pm, and was caught on video by bystanders. Footage of the incident went viral online, sparking widespread shock and public outcry. Deputy Public Prosecutor Ng Jun Chong told the High Court the brutality of the attack and the high level of culpability warranted a life sentence and eight to 12 strokes of the cane. 'The videos of the attack circulated online, and the extensive media coverage amplified the public disquiet caused,' he was quoted as saying. Defence lawyer Johannes Hadi argued instead for 15 years' imprisonment and five strokes of the cane, urging caution in using public reaction as a benchmark for sentencing severity. Justice Audrey Lim, who presided over the hearing, noted how social media had changed how quickly and widely such incidents could spread. She will deliver her sentencing decision on June 3.
