Binman sacked for kicking snowman’s head off is back in court

A former binman who was sacked for kicking the head off a child's snowman has avoided jail for smashing a police station door after being caught with a knife.

Callum Woodhouse, 21, was sacked after being captured on CCTV destroying a 6ft-tall snowman in Hereford during his rounds in January 2021.

He boasted of being the “snowman killer” after attacking the frozen creation while emptying bins.

Woodhouse has now appeared before a court for criminal damage and possessing a knife in a public place.

Watch: Binman sacked after being caught kicking over a child's snowman

JPs heard Woodhouse had gone into a police station to make an enquiry at the front desk at 2.30pm on 10 February.

But he flew into a rage when he felt he wasn't getting any help before kicking and smashing a glass door, the court was told.

It was said Woodhouse was restrained and arrested and when asked if he was carrying any weapons, he revealed he had a kitchen knife inside his sock.

Prosecutor Melanie Winterflood said he made no comment in his police interview and he had one previous conviction for battery dating back to January 2020.

The court heard Woodhouse had been seen by mental health professionals, but that he had gone to the police station as he felt he needed more help.

Marilena Di Vitantonio, defending, said: "He was unable to get that help and kicked out at the door in frustration.

"He would welcome a community order with open arms as he feels he needs help and no-one is listening."

Woodhouse, of Kingstone, Herefordshire, pleaded guilty to both charges and was handed a 132 day prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

He was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £135 and a £154 victim surcharge at Hereford Magistrates Court.

Woodhouse previously claimed he had apologised to the family after he Kung-fu kicked their son's snowman leaving him in floods of tears.

He said: “I messaged them on the day it blew up [on social media] but they blocked me.

“I’m out of work now, just for kicking a snowman.

“I’m going to be a dad now. I’ve lost my job, f***ed over a snowman. I have a family to feed."

Thousands of people signed a petition calling for Woodhouse's reinstatement after he was sacked.