Vandals who attacked statue of Sir Henry Havelock in Sunderland cautioned and told to pay for clean-up

A statue of military leader Sir Henry Havelock, in the city’s Mowbray Park, was attacked over the summer after campaigners claimed it celebrated ‘slavery and racism’.

The trio responsible were later found by police, but escaped with a caution after agreeing to contribute to the cost of reversing the damage.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: “On June 16, we received a report of criminal damage in Mowbray Park, Sunderland.

“It was reported that overnight a group of offenders had defaced a statue with graffiti.

“An investigation was subsequently launched into the incident.

“Two women – both aged 24 – and a 27-year-old man were all arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage.

“All three admitted the offence when interviewed by officers and received a caution.”

The statue received public attention in the wake of Black Lives Matter protests earlier this year (2020) when it was added to the ‘Topple the Racists’ website.

General Havelock was born in Bishopwearmouth in 1795 and went on to be one of the most senior British army leaders in India, later dying of dysentery at the Siege of Lucknow.

An update on the statue was requested at a meeting of Sunderland City Council by UKIP councillor Steven Bewick.

Deputy council leader Paul Stewart said: “I can confirm the council fully supported the criminal process and that this case has now been concluded and the council has received £450 to cover the costs of the clean up.”

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