Daniel Heath and William Lawrence, both 22, had been drinking in Newbury, Berks, when CCTV caught them trying to rip the artwork off its bench mount in Northbrook Street at 2am.
They carried its front through the town birthplace of the bear's author Michael Bond - and took a taxi back to RAF Odiham, Hants.
Heath, from Thornton, West Yorks, and Lawrence, of Enderby, Leics, were given a 12-month community order at Reading Magistrates' Court yesterday after admitting criminal damage. District judge Sam Goozee called their actions "wanton vandalism".
He added: "Paddington Bear is a beloved cultural icon with children and adults alike. He represents kindness, tolerance and promotes integration and acceptance. His famous label attached to his duffle coat says 'Please look after this bear'. Your actions were the antithesis of everything Paddington stands for.
"Your actions lacked respect and integrity, two values you should uphol...
They carried its front through the town birthplace of the bear's author Michael Bond - and took a taxi back to RAF Odiham, Hants.
Heath, from Thornton, West Yorks, and Lawrence, of Enderby, Leics, were given a 12-month community order at Reading Magistrates' Court yesterday after admitting criminal damage. District judge Sam Goozee called their actions "wanton vandalism".
He added: "Paddington Bear is a beloved cultural icon with children and adults alike. He represents kindness, tolerance and promotes integration and acceptance. His famous label attached to his duffle coat says 'Please look after this bear'. Your actions were the antithesis of everything Paddington stands for.
"Your actions lacked respect and integrity, two values you should uphol...
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Daily Express (Digital) - 1 Issue, March 26, 2025