Man remanded accused of causing £10,000 damage to Belfast’s Big Fish

A 44-year-old man has been remanded in custody accused of causing more than £10,000 damage to Belfast’s Big Fish sculpture.

Peter Luke Smith, who has no fixed abode, appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Monday 21 September charged in connection with an incident at the Salmon of Knowledge — better known as the Big Fish — on Donegall Quay.

He faces one count of criminal damage and three counts of possessing articles with intent to damage property, namely a hatchet, a hammer and a sledgehammer.

Prosecutors told the court that police were called at around 12.30am on Sunday 20 September after a search and rescue witness reported a man damaging the landmark. Officers allegedly found a backpack containing a hammer and a hatchet, and a sledgehammer in nearby bushes.

It is alleged that ceramic tiles around the sculpture’s left eye were extensively damaged in the early hours of Sunday. Damage has been estimated at more than £10,000.

Smith did not answer police questions when interviewed. Initial offensive weapons charges were replaced after a defence challenge by solicitor Garrett O’Kane, who argued the alleged intent related to damaging an object rather than injuring a person.

District Judge Steven Keown refused bail, citing concerns about further offending and a risk of flight. The court heard that Smith had arrived in Northern Ireland from England the previous week and had been staying in an Airbnb.

Defence counsel told the court that their client wanted to enter pleas. Those pleas were not taken on Monday. Smith was remanded in custody and the case was adjourned until 19 October.

LoveBelfast previously reported the damage and arrest at Donegall Quay. The Big Fish, created by artist John Kindness and installed in 1999, is an approximately 10-metre ceramic salmon whose tiles chart Belfast’s history — and remains a familiar stop on any Belfast things to do list.

Photo: Pacemaker. Copy supplied by Paul Higgins.

LoveBelfast is committed to factual, impartial court reporting. All allegations remain subject to the court process. Everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty.