US airman fined after breaking topiary dog on all-day binge in west London

 
Artwork: Christopher Mesnard climbed on the fake topiary statue (Picture: Central News)
Paul Cheston24 April 2014
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A US air force lieutenant who damaged an artwork belonging to a celebrity dog trainer during a marathon drinking binge has escaped with a fine.

First Lieutenant Christopher Mesnard, 26, kicked off the pub crawl on March 29 at a champagne bar in Paddington station and had planned to drink half a pint in 26 pubs along the Circle Line.

But he lost his friends and was found in the early hours of the morning astride a fake topiary dog owned by TV dog trainer Lucy Kennedy, Hammersmith magistrates’ court heard.

Mesnard, a Deputy Chief of Public Affairs in the USAF based at RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk, broke the £995 ornament but claims to have no recollection of the incident.

Drinking spree: Christopher Mesnard (Picture: Jamie Lorriman/Central News)

Manjit Mahal, prosecuting, said police were called to Notting Hill Gate in the early hours to be told by Ms Kennedy that she had been disturbed by a noise and seen Mesnard fall off the statue, which was bolted to the ground.

Mesnard was found around 200 metres away and arrested.

He pleaded guilty to criminal damage and apologised to the court for his “severe lapse” in judgment and confessed he does not yet know what punishment the Air Force will impose.

Victim: celebrity dog trainer Lucy Kennedy (Picture: Jamie Lorriman/Central News)

“They started drinking at approximately 11am on Saturday 29 March. He accepts he was drunk but not incapable,” said Mr Mahal.

Mesnard was ordered to pay £995 in compensation to Ms Kennedy, £150 contribution towards court costs and a £25 victim surcharge.

Ms Kennedy has been described as “Notting Hill’s best known dog nanny” and runs her business Happy Dogs from her home.

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