Overview
- Amelia Vanderhorst, 20, faced the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court in person and has not entered a plea to a vandalism charge over a 13 September googly‑eyes incident.
- Magistrate Koula Kossiavelos adjourned the matter to 20 January for negotiations and possible finalisation after Vanderhorst engaged lawyer Michael Hill.
- South Australia Police estimate the repairable damage at up to $2,500, while the council notes the sculpture was a $136,000 investment that drew community scrutiny.
- The council says CCTV captured the alleged act, after earlier paint chipping and sticker damage to the sculpture resulted in no charges.
- Vanderhorst briefly raised about $1,000 via a GoFundMe that was later removed, as the case drew international coverage and commentary on prank culture.