BEARING UP WELL
Heartwarming update after Paddington Bear statue ripped apart by two drunk RAF yobs
The boozed-up pair admitted criminal damage and got 12-month community orders
A PADDINGTON Bear statue ripped apart by two drunk RAF yobs has been repaired.
And the marmalade-loving bear is set to be unveiled again at Easter.
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Experts have spent days bonding the fibreglass sculpture back together.
Boozed-up RAF engineers Daniel Heath and William Lawrence, both 22, tore the artwork in two as they swiped it in Newbury, Berks, earlier this month.
This week they admitted criminal damage and got 12-month community orders with 150 hours of unpaid work.
They must each pay £2,725 towards the statue’s repair in creator Michael Bond’s home town.
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Trish Willetts, of Newbury Business Improvement District, told The Sun: “We are delighted to confirm Paddington is currently undergoing repairs and will soon return to his rightful place.
"As the birthplace of Paddington’s creator, Michael Bond, Newbury has always felt a special connection to Paddington.
"This sense of pride within the town has only grown since the statue’s unveiling last year, with Paddington-inspired creations and designs appearing at countless public events.
"After the damage was discovered, we received so many lovely messages of support, and this helped influence our decision to bring Paddington back to Newbury as soon as possible, so locals and visitors alike can continue to enjoy the love and kindness that Paddington represents.
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"We look forward to welcoming visitors from near and far once Paddington triumphantly returns from his short adventure away."
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