Hedgehog Weapon Of Choice In New Zealand
Posted May 30, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It is an unfortunate fact that assault cases are tried everywhere around the world, every single day. But what makes this New Zealand case so prickly is the choice of weapon.
William Singalargh was convicted of throwing a hedgehog at a 15-year-old boy. The court said he’ll have to pay a fine, and most of the money will go to the victim.
The incident took place on February 9, when Singalargh chucked the spine-covered critter towards the young man, striking him in the leg. He didn’t require medical treatment, but he did get a large red welt and several puncture wounds.
He’ll receive $389 of the $545 Singalargh must pay. The defendant was found guilty of common assault and offensive behaviour, and won’t face any jail time.
Indeed, the real victim here may be the animal itself. It’s not known if the hedgehog was alive or dead when it was taken for an impromptu flight, but a police officer confirms that it was dead when collected as evidence.