AFTER vandalising one of the Worcester Stands Tall giraffes, a man will have to clean the other sculptures as his punishment.

The 38-year-old, believed to be called Richard Knight and from Worcester, shocked eyewitnesses as he allegedly charged at the giraffe outside the Pret cafe on The Cross and knocked over the sculpture, on Tuesday, July 17.

As a result, Gregory the giraffe had to be removed – and a photo of the man said to be the culprit was shared on social media.

The man has admitted knocking over the giraffe and, as a community resolution punishment, he will be made to clean the other sculptures on the art trail, the Worcester News understands.

A West Mercia Police spokesman said: “A 38-year-old man from Worcester has been spoken to by officers and a community resolution is being organised following the damage to one of giraffes in the St Richard’s Worcester Stands Tall trail.”

Gregory was returned to his plinth on Wednesday, July 25, following a fibre glass repair to his feet and a paint touch up.

Sara Matthews, project manager for Worcester Stands Tall, said: “I am pleased this matter has been resolved and would like to thank the police for their work in reaching a positive conclusion.

“There is a huge amount of work which goes on behind the scenes to keep the giraffes in tip-top condition for everyone to enjoy – with each little scratch and dent monitored and carefully removed.

“So, please take care of our sculptures – they are for everyone to enjoy and will eventually go to auction raising money for St Richard’s Hospice.”

Worcester Stands Tall has seen 30 giraffes painted by different artists placed around Worcester.

The giraffes will be auctioned in October to raise money for St Richard’s Hospice’s Build 2020 appeal to expand its base and care for more people.