Malice monster destruction
• The much-loved North-East icon, the Sideling Monster has been destroyed by three local youths last Friday. Image supplied.
By Taylor Clyne
November 18, 2020
A landmark icon, the Sideling Monster, that has served many generations of families and visitors along the Sideling has been destroyed by three local youths leaving the community shocked and upset.
In the days leading up to the discovery questions were swirling on social media discussion group ‘Chit Chat North-East Tassie’ about where the monster had gone after days of not seeing it on people's drive home.
Shortly after a video was shared of three boys smashing the much-loved icon with a blockbuster, the video showed the boys laughing during the act before taking off quickly in their vehicle.
Senior Constable Catherine White said the incident took place on Friday November 6 and the matter was now in the hands of the police.
“There has been significant commentary and opinion about this on social media and within the local community,” Constable White said.
“I concur with the general sentiment that this behaviour was abhorrent, and the senseless destruction of a decades old landmark should be dealt with by police for the sake of the greater public interest.
“With that in mind, I urge the community to not take matters into your own hands, to not seek retribution or shame for the youths involved; but be assured that police have spoken to them and their guardians and have proceeded against them by way of the Youth Justice Act.
“They acknowledge the seriousness of the offence and are remorseful for their actions,” Constable White concluded.
Following the video being posted, three separate public apologies were shared anonymously to social media and it's believed the youths have now taken upon themselves to attempt to restore the monument to the best of their ability.
Due to the perpetrators being under eighteen years of age they legally cannot be named.