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Man to appear in court charged with causing damage to Big Fish sculpture
News2026-09-20

Man to appear in court charged with causing damage to Big Fish sculpture

The Big Fish sculpture, a gleaming stainless‑steel fish perched on the River Lagan’s quays, has become a beloved landmark in Belfast, celebrated for its playful form and its reflection of the city’s revitalisation.

In the early hours of a recent Sunday, police were called to report damage to the sculpture’s left eye. Officers found the vandalism significant, and a 44‑year‑old man was detained nearby, later charged with criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

The suspect is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court, while investigators continue to appeal for information. The incident has sparked concern among locals who view the fish as a symbol of civic pride, underscoring the vulnerability of public art to acts of vandalism.

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