Man charged after damage to Belfast’s Big Fish sculpture

A 44-year-old man has been charged with criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon following damage to Belfast’s Big Fish sculpture. He is due before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Police investigating damage to Belfast’s Big Fish sculpture have charged a 44-year-old man to court following an incident in the city centre during the early hours of Sunday, 20 September.

The man has been charged with criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

He is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 21 September 2026.

As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland. Public Prosecution Service

Charges follow damage to Belfast’s Big Fish

The charges follow an incident at the famous Big Fish sculpture at Donegall Quay.

Police initially reported receiving a call at around 12.30am on Sunday that someone had been seen causing damage to the sculpture.

Officers attended and found that significant damage had been caused to the left eye of the Big Fish.

A 44-year-old man was subsequently located nearby and arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.

Belfast landmark damaged

The Big Fish is one of the best-known public artworks on Belfast’s waterfront and stands at Donegall Quay beside the River Lagan.

Also known as the Salmon of Knowledge, the sculpture was created by Northern Irish artist John Kindness and unveiled in 1999.

Its ceramic tiles contain images and text relating to the history of Belfast.

Visitors looking for more information about the city can also visit the Northern Ireland Online Belfast page:

Discover Belfast on Northern Ireland Online

Court appearance due on Monday

The 44-year-old is expected to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 21 September.

The charges are allegations and the case is now subject to court proceedings.

Further information about how prosecutions are handled in Northern Ireland is available from the PPS. How the prosecution process works